It was simply the dream-light of unreality, nothing of purity lived in it.
Presently, as a dark curtain drawn across the scene, came blackness, blotting them out for ever.
What happened to each, or what his lot, or when his term of prison life was over, who can tell? Those who keep the books of Hell and Heaven alone know.
CHAPTER VI
“I shall not trouble you any further,” said Vestasian. “You look tired, and there is little pleasure in this kind of work except to those who understand and care for it.”
As we descended the steps he took a path which led us once more out into the gardens instead of back to the guests.
“Your guests will miss you,” I remarked. “But probably they have a very charming hostess.”
He shook his head. “They have none,” he answered; “but they can amuse themselves.”
“Have you no one then besides yourself who reigns over all this magnificence?” I queried.
I noticed that he smiled.