"I've decided to pray about deciding, and then to decide. Whatever's best for you, I will do, I promise."
"And for yourself. Don't forget that I'm thinking of you. Don't believe it's all cowardice."
"I don't believe anything but good of my Saidee."
"I envy you, because you think you've got Someone to pray to. I've nothing. I'm—alone in the dark."
Victoria made her look up at the moon which flooded the night with a sea of radiance. "There is no dark," she said. "We're together—in the light."
"How hopeful you are!" Saidee murmured. "I've left hope so far behind, I've almost forgotten what it's like."
"Maybe it's always been hovering just over your shoulder, only you forgot to turn and see. It can't be gone, because I feel sure that truth and knowledge and hope are all one."
"I wonder if you'll still feel so when you've married a man of another race—as I have?"
Victoria did not answer. She had to conquer the little cold thrill of superstitious fear which crept through her veins, as Saidee's words reminded her of M'Barka's sand-divining. She had to find courage again from "her star," before she could speak.
"Forgive me, Babe!" said Saidee, stricken by the look in the lifted eyes. "I wish I needn't remind you of anything horrid to-night—your first night with me after all these years. But we have so little time. What else can I do?"