Aziel thought awhile and said:—
“Go fetch him here.” So Metem went, to return presently with the Levite, to whom, without further ado, the prince told all, hiding nothing.
Issachar listened in silence. When both Aziel and Metem had done speaking, he said:—
“At least, I thank you, Prince, for being open with me; and now without more words I pray you to abandon this rash plan, which can end only in pain, and perhaps in death.”
“Abandon it not, Prince,” interrupted Metem, “seeing that if you do it will certainly end in my death, for the girl is mad, and will have her way. Or if she does not, then I must pay the price.”
“Have no fear,” answered Aziel smiling. “Issachar, this must be done or——”
“Or what, Prince?”
“I will not leave the city. It is true that Sakon may thrust me from it, but it shall be as a dead man. Nay, waste no words, since she desires it; I must and will meet the Lady Elissa for the last time, not as lover meets lover, but as those meet who part for ever in the world.”
“You say so, Prince; then have I your permission to accompany you?”
“Yes, if you wish it, Issachar; but there is danger.”