Instantly the Shaman’s cunning old face became like a mask of ivory.
“Surely you had better ask your favours of the lady herself, lord; I do not think that any in reason will be refused to you,” he replied.
“Let us stop fencing,” said Leo, “and consider the facts. It has seemed to me that the Khania Atene is not happy with her husband.”
“Your eyes are very keen, lord, and who shall say that they have deceived you?”
“It has seemed, further,” went on Leo, reddening, “that she has been so good as to look on me with—some undeserved regard.”
“Ah! perhaps you guessed that in the Gate-house yonder, if you have not forgotten what most men would remember.”
“I remember certain things, Simbri, that have to do with her and you.”
The Shaman only stroked his beard and said: “Proceed!”
“There is little to add, Simbri, except that I am not minded to bring scandal on the name of the first lady in your land.”
“Nobly said, lord, nobly said, though here they do not trouble much about such things. But how if the matter could be managed without scandal? If, for instance, the Khania chose to take another husband the whole land would rejoice, for she is the last of her royal race.”