For answer, there was heard a sound as of a falling body. All turned knowing what this meant, knowing they should behold Azu flat on his face. This was ever the manner in which he testified his knowledge of the presence of the king. And there he was, prone in front of the trellis, behind which he had been awaiting call.
Even Atlano laughed. Then, as usual, he gave the word to arise, which Azu did in sprightly fashion, to stand grinning and bowing, and showing only the whites of his great round eyes.
“Come, Azu,” said the queen. “Thou wilt hold up my robe.”
Azu lurched to this; and held up the train tenderly. The queen continued, “Now will we go.”
In this order, was the reluctant king borne through the garden, and on to the landing place. With scowling eyes fastened on the ground, he pondered as to the words he should speak upon arriving there. And no speech would he vouchsafe by the way.
Hellen and Electra, naturally, fell a little behind. When well beyond hearing, Hellen said low, “Electra, the king will never give the word.”
“Hellen, the king will give the word.”
“Thou art as full of hope as of strength. How didst thou come by a spirit so light?”
“Always hath it been mine. Never have I known fear.”
“But, of late thou hast known it?”