The fact was that during the night Zoram had arrived from Antionum and was filled with jealous rage. He feared the young and handsome Nephite had won the fancy of his mistress, and demanded that he should be gotten rid of.
About midday Corianton entered the apartments of Isabel and urged again that she would consent to leave Siron and go to a land where she was not known and there begin their new life.
"There is the door," she said coolly, "if you like not to stay, you may go."
"Nay, Isabel, but you promised that you would forsake all this for me!"
"And are you so simple as to believe a woman's words? I was blinded by my infatuation and half repentance, but the dream is past, I am myself again, and see we are not suited to each other; you had better return to your people, sir prophet, fall down at their feet, and seek their forgiveness."
He stood amazed—twice deceived and by this woman—twice damned in shame for a thing scarce worth his pity!
"And is this the return for my great love for you?" he asked.
"That for your love," and she threw a goblet of wine in his face. "I despise both you and your love."
Several of the servants and Zoram entering the apartment at that moment, she threw herself into the arms of the latter, saying as she kissed him, "this is my love—my prince—my king of men! Now go!" she cried, pointing to the door.
"Not I," replied Corianton; "I will not budge until I have laid him dead at my feet who set on foot the plan that brought my shame!" And he sprang at Zoram with the fury of an enraged tiger. Before he could reach him, however, he was overpowered by the servants and bound securely. Zoram had drawn his dagger, and would have killed the Nephite, but Isabel clung to him.