ARGON, on alighting, was encountered by Aunion, and the two were soon joined by Lamara. Argon bowed before her with a mortified look.
“I blundered from beginning to end,” he remarked.
“You did your best,” she replied; “none can do more, but the spirit rules the outcome. No just cause is lost through our effort to win it; it is gained, though in ways beyond our comprehension. The good we try to do may bless us even more through failure than success. It may be that to have brought these two lovers together before the appointed time would have delayed instead of hastening their final union.”
“I hoped to compensate for the mischief done by my sister,” he said dejectedly.
“That child has beguiled us all,” said Aunion. “I could almost wish that these visitors of ours had never come here. Strange influences create strange conditions, which disturb our ancient peace.”
“You are out of tune!” exclaimed Lamara. “If a new era awaits us, let us accept it with faith and joy. The birth of all good is preceded by travail. The destiny of the Saturnians cannot be separated from that of any others in the universe. If there be evil anywhere, isolation cannot heal it; it must be nursed back to health in the bosom of love. I do not regret our visitors; I welcome them, bring what they may!”
“Zarga has sinned beyond forgiveness,” declared Aunion sternly.
“I have already said that I find myself much to blame for her error,” returned Lamara quietly; “and judgement does not lie with us, old friend. Already her sin brings its own punishment. Jack’s constancy is inviolable; but we may remove him from her influence for both their sakes. Were you able to trace him?” she asked Argon.
“Torpeon and Zarga, working together, had made discovery difficult,” he said; “but I was close upon them when Miriam’s danger drew me aside. I believe I know where to find Jack and my sister. But the magician’s chamber is well guarded.”
“It is time those spells were broken,” said Aunion.