"'Speak to me, my daughter, and tell me all,' said Abou.
"I only heard one sound. My overtaxed nerves could bear no more; the living dead was too terrible for me, and I fell senseless to the ground.
"When I awoke to consciousness, I found only Abou and Helfa there. The body of Ilfra had been removed, where, I know not, for I never saw it again; but Helfa was like unto that which he had been before.
"'The secret is mine, son Herod,' said Abou, 'but it is not for you to learn yet. Be patient; when your spirit is prepared, the knowledge will come.'"
Voltaire stopped abruptly. One of the young ladies gave a slight scream, and then he apologized for having no more to tell.
"But has the knowledge come since?" asked a voice.
I did not know who spoke, but it sounded like Gertrude Forrest's voice. I turned towards her, and saw her looking admiringly at this man whom I could not help fearing.
His answer was a beaming smile and a few words, saying that knowledge should never be boasted of.
That moment my jealousy, which had been allayed, now surged furiously in me, and I determined that that very night I would match the strength of my mind with the strength of his.