Zara acquiesced, and when she arose a new light shone on her face as she rapidly unfolded to him her plan.
"Why don't you reproach me for having brought you to this?" he asked, drawing her tenderly toward him, for he realized that the task she had set herself was no easy one.
"Nay, I have been happier here helping you than I ever was before, with all my luxury. I never realized what a blessing work is!"
* * * * * * * *
Zara went and presented herself before Amulon. With mingled emotions they looked on one another. Zara noticed that the black-bearded, handsome man was more dominating than ever. The deep-eyed, dusky princess by his side was well suited to such a husband. Lamona, for her part, was curiously interested in her prince's former love. Amulon marked that Zara had retained her beauty, and looked very little older. He wondered what this slip of a woman who had preferred a soft-voiced missionary, could have to ask of him.
"I have a petition to make, my lord," she began, bowing low.
"And that is—"
"That you, your lady, and all your soldiery will dine with us at a banquet that we have prepared. There is much ill-feeling between the people and the soldiers. There has been a brutal quarrel or two, and we would seek to allay the trouble."
Amulon's eyes lighted with pleasure. It was long since he had eaten at a Nephite board, and he would like to sup with Zara. I think I can answer for the men.
They will come, like a horse to water. What say you, my girl? He turned to Lamona.