"I was very much perplexed. As far as I could make out, this girl knew no more of the meaning of her visit than I did, and I was certain that no evil thought was in her heart.
"'What,' I said, 'if I reject the cup of joy and send thee back?'
"She hung her head, then kneeling down by my side and looking beseechingly at me answered--
"'Thou wouldst not send me from thee; I will do whatsoever thou desirest, and serve thee faithfully. As the moon reflects the glory of the sun, so is it dark with me if I may not see thy face!--as the flower withers without light, so must I droop if hidden from thy presence. If thou but drink the cup which the queen offers, thou wilt then know the joy of love.'
"As she said this I suddenly became conscious that she was repeating a lesson, acting a part, the meaning of which she did not understand; and with this knowledge, all danger which the temptation might have had for me was removed. Beginning to have some idea of the truth, I looked straight into her eyes and said--
"'Who taught you this lesson? Who told you to say this to me?'
"Her part had been doubtless well prepared, but this question was not one among those for which she had an answer ready, and after hesitating a moment she spoke the truth.
"'The priest of temptation.'
"'And what would you have done had I drunk the wine and bidden you stay with me?' I asked.
"'I should have stayed,' she answered simply, and her thoughts followed her words.