The vault of darkness was absolute, unabated by the dim patches of light that were the fenestrations above where he lay.
And presently someone very stealthily opened the door and entered.
Only for an instant was the figure silhouetted there before the door closed and darkness reigned supreme once more. Yet that instant was long enough to tell him that it had been a woman. And though her features had not been discernible, he had gotten the impression of exceptional beauty.
For a time there was no movement; no sound save her faint breathing. "Who's there?" he said. "What do you want?"
And then she came nearer and stood so close to him that the perfume of her breath was upon his face. Suddenly he groped, caught her arm and pulled her to him. The warmth of her body was against him. He felt her tremble. But she did not try to pull away.
He laughed. "Perhaps I may revise my opinion of Ophir," he said.
"No light!" she whispered. Her voice was low and vibrant.
"Why not?"
"I must not be seen here. But I had to warn you. It would not have been right not to warn you about Aidennsport."