“I am not sure that I am pleased,” that young lady went on to say. “I would rather select my husband myself.”
“No one of our tribe can do that, except our high-priestess,” rejoined Alcyesta. “Does thy religion allow thy priestess such liberty?”
“Truly not. Our priestesses may marry if someone asks them, but they cannot help themselves. Oh, that I were a Monbas high-priestess!”
“What wouldst thou do?” asked Kerœcia, with a smile, while Alcyesta did not seem to breathe.
“I would propose to thy Chancellor, Ben Hu Barabe,” she averred.
“Ben Hu Barabe is already betrothed,” replied Kerœcia. “He will espouse my beloved Alcyesta, when we return home.”
“How fortunate thou art!” said Ildiko to Alcyesta, but slightly abashed. “I can always marry Alcamayn. I should be puzzled to know what to do in thy case,” she continued, addressing Kerœcia.
“I fail to see why,” answered the priestess.
“There is more than one among the Azes and Atlantians who would speak if he dared.”
Kerœcia blushed and looked confused. Alcyesta and Mineola asked in a breath: