“Come, Enola,” said Mr. Bruce, “do not give up entirely. Remember that it is on the eve of this day that you are to marry the King, and there are many hours left us yet in which to escape.”
“No,” said Enola, “I feel that all hope is gone. We will be the central figures of attraction to-day and all eyes will be upon us, thus making it an impossibility to escape.”
“I differ with you,” said Mr. Bruce, “for we have learned that this is the greatest of all days with these people, and the ceremonies of the day may call attention from us, thus giving us a chance to get away. Listen, even now, the avenues seem crowded with the chariots and zebras, and the sandaled feet of the multitude can be heard shuffling over the hard pavement. The day for me has the greatest interest, for I long to fathom its mysteries, but not at the expense of your happiness, Enola, and I will watch every chance, as will all of us, to get you away from the hateful ceremony.”
“I had forgotten, in our trouble,” said Mr. Graham, “that there were secrets to be learned to-day. What can they be?”
“They must be of an exceedingly happy nature,” said Harry, “for I have seen the faces of those who have spoken of the day, light up as if with pleasurable anticipation.”
“Yes,” said Mr. Bruce, “Onrai has said that the day was the happiest one in the lives of the people, and that must mean a great deal, for these people are always happy, or, have been so until the news reached them of the great battle and eruption. Hark,” and as Mr. Bruce ceased speaking, a song rose on the morning air so exquisitely beautiful and grand, that our friends almost held their breath, for fear of losing one note of its delightful harmony. It rose and fell one moment loud and powerful, ringing through the entrance and wide hall of the Temple, and the next dying away almost to a whisper.
“Ah,” said Enola, as the voices ceased, “it is beautiful. Oh, why could not Onrai have left me in peace, so that we might enjoy even yet awhile the delights of this grand country and people.”
“It is indeed too bad,” said Mr. Bruce. “But has Sedai been here this morning?”
“No,” said Mr. Graham, “but it is time that he was. Perhaps he is afraid of losing a chance for escape by coming to us,” but the curtain moves at this moment and Sedai enters.
“We were just speaking of you, Sedai,” said Mr. Bruce. “What are the chances this morning?”