"Very well," she said; "I am listening. What is it?"
"There is a noble in your court who has been very kind to me since I have been in Cathne," commenced Tarzan. "Now he is in trouble, and I have come to ask you to save him."
Nemone's brow clouded. "Who is he?" she demanded.
"Gemnon," replied the ape-man. "He has been arrested with Thudos and the daughter of Thudos and several of their friends. It is only a plot to destroy me."
"You dare come to me to intercede for traitors!" cried the Queen, blazing with sudden fury. "But I know the reason; you love Doria!"
"I do not love her; I have seen her but once. Gemnon loves her. Let them be happy, Nemone."
"I am not happy," she replied; "why should they be happy? Tell me that you love me, Tarzan, and I shall be happy!" Her voice was vibrant with appeal. For a moment she forgot that she was queen.
"A flower does not bloom in the seed," he replied; "it grows gradually, and thus love grows. The other, that bursts forth spontaneously from its own heat, is not love, it is passion. I have not known you either long or well, Nemone; that is my answer."
She turned away and buried her face in her arms as she sank to the couch; he saw her shoulders shaken by sobs, and pity filled his heart. He drew nearer to console her, but he had no chance to speak before she wheeled upon him, her eyes flashing through tears. "The girl, Doria, dies!" she cried. "Xarator shall have her tomorrow!"
Tarzan shook his head sadly. "You have asked me to love you," he said. "Do you expect me to love one who ruthlessly destroys my friends?"