‘Honain is a philosopher, and believes in sympathy. ‘Twould appear there was none between you. His system, then, absolves you from all ties.’
‘You are sure the rest of the intelligence is true? I’ll not believe the mosque, the rest is bad enough.’
‘Zalmunna left the banquet. Hassan Subah’s brother sat above him.’
‘Subah’s brother! ‘Tis all over, then. Is he of the council?’
‘Ay, and others.’
‘Where now is Israel?’
‘She should be in her tents.’
‘Woe! woe! unutterable woe!’ exclaimed the prophetess, who, standing motionless at the back of the chamber, seemed inattentive to their conversation.
Jabaster paced the gallery with agitated steps. Suddenly he stopped, and, walking up to Abidan, seized his arm, and looked him sternly in the face. ‘I know thy thoughts, Abidan,’ exclaimed the priest; ‘but it cannot be. I have dismissed, henceforth and for ever I have dismissed all feeling from my mind; now I have no brother, no friend, no pupil, and, I fear, no Saviour. Israel is all in all to me. I have no other life. ‘Tis not compunction, then, that stays my arm. My heart’s as hard as thine.’
‘Why stays it then?’