She led the way to an interior apartment. In a room of oval shape, permeated with golden light, the form of a woman lay on a cushioned lounge, deep asleep. Her face was turned upward: her abundant black hair lay beneath her: the soft flames which draped her were of the hue of moss roses. In the center of her forehead was a small circular mark with a star in it center, red as blood. Her face was pale.
“Miriam!” Jack cried out, and was springing toward her: but Lamara restrained him.
“Do not touch her while she is in this state!” she said urgently. “For you to do so would be especially dangerous, because the results might be spiritual as well as physical. As you know, we have not yet solved the nature of the spell. This may be a trick of the magician to tempt you to involve her still deeper.”
“But I love her! We love each other!” cried Jack; “Isn’t love strong enough to overcome anything?”
“Love is unconquerable because it is an immortal spirit: but passion is mixed with earth, and seeks itself in the other. Power over evil is always from above.”
The look and voice of Lamara, more than the veiled purport of her words, prevailed over the young lover. They carried conviction of truth. He mastered himself, and stood gazing with longing eyes at the motionless figure. He hated the material bonds that withheld him from communion with her soul.
“It is only for an hour!” said Lamara encouragingly. “When she wakens, we will all take counsel together. You overcame Torpeon; it will be more fruitful victory to overcome yourself.”
“I must at least stay here beside her,” Jack returned. “He might attempt something else: and it’s my right to defend her.”
“I will trust you,” said Lamara, “because I perceive that there is more of spirit than of earth in your love: but there is earth, too, and remember that it is through earth that your enemy is strong! We will leave you here for a while: there are many things to be done to clear the way for your return to your world. Zarga will remain within call. Be faithful and patient!”
She withdrew, with Argon and Aunion. Zarga crouched beside the couch, her strange eyes dwelling upon the face of the unconscious figure. The beautiful features had the serenity and almost the pallor of death, but the slight rise and fall of the bosom was evidence that she lived. Jack cautiously bent over to scrutinize the mark on her brow.