'Monna Cassandra! Have I not sworn to him?'
'Give me the key; and I will compass it that to-night you shall fly—this very night. See, this is the drug.'
She drew from her bosom a phial which contained a dark liquid; and putting her face close to his, she whispered wheedlingly, 'What is it you fear, simpleton? You say there are no mysteries. Well, then, let us go and make sure. The key, Astro, the key!'
'No,' he replied, 'I will not let you enter; and I care nothing for your secret. Leave me.'
'Coward!' cried the girl, fine scorn on her face; 'it is possible for you to know the secret, and you dare not hear it! Now I see plainly he is a sorcerer, and he tricks you as he would trick an infant!'
But neither could scorn move him; he turned away his head, listening sullenly. Then Cassandra drew nearer again.
'Well, Astro, so be it. I will not enter. Only do you set the door ajar and let me peep——'
'You will not go in?'
'No; only open and let me just look.'
At this he drew forth the key and unlocked the door.