"Why are not all pilgrims to the Radiant City like you? I have just been with one who was so ashamed of being a pilgrim and a soldier, that she hid her sword within the folds of her dress."
Iddo noticed that at Aimee's words, Love of Admiration, who had been trotting by the side of Madam Vanity, peered up into the pilgrim's face trying to attract her attention, but her efforts were in vain, for the girl turned her face away as she spoke in a low voice to her companion, so low that she could not catch her words. But Aimee's remark had caused a flush of shame to rise on Iddo's cheeks, and though she dreaded to hear any more, and felt that she had no business to listen, she gave way to the temptation, and drawing nearer heard her friend say softly,
"You almost persuade me to be a pilgrim to the Radiant City." At that Iddo turned away. She could bear it no longer. If only she had been braver and had confessed her King, what might not have happened! She forgot at the moment that she had not entered Achshaph at the command of the King, and that while not travelling on the right path, it was not likely that she could do the King's work. She forgot this, and was filled with remorse at the thought that another had succeeded where she had failed. So depressed was she that she longed to get out of the Land of Enchantment as soon as she could, and began looking about for her armour. But she was not allowed to be alone. Jealousy had followed her and now came forward.
"Even your friend," he whispered, "has forsaken you."
Iddo felt vexed with his remark.
"I want to get out of this land," she said quickly, "and shall find my way better if left to myself."
"It is extraordinary that Aimee has forgotten you so soon after all her profession of friendship," whispered her companion.
Iddo did not answer, but her eyes grew angry at the thought of the girl's desertion.
"I don't suppose," added Jealousy, "if you meet her again that she will care at all for you, as she is evidently quite taken up with her new friend."
"Oh can't you leave me alone, I'm miserable enough without your talk," cried Iddo, who had forgotten by this time that she had a remedy close at hand in her sword.