It was then, and then only, Loala stopped smouldering. Her anger died, her features softened, and her voice was again enticingly mellow.
"There! That is better. Now we can talk in peace."
And there was dignity in her voice—but Steve noted something more significant in her actions. For as she spoke, one soft hand lifted—and adjusted the silver strands of her hair! He had seen others do that. It was not alone the gesture of a Daan ... it was the gesture of a woman, self-conscious before a man. His eyes lighted with something that was half amusement. He said softly:
"Yes, O Mistress of a Thousand Charms. We are alone. It is much better this way."
The Lady Loala glanced at him strangely, assumed an air of indignation.
"What? Seek not to beguile me with soft words, man of Earth! Remember your humble place!"
Steve moved a step nearer, bowing submissively. "No words are enough to describe your loveliness, O Lady of Grace. Any man, be he Daan or Earthman, must be humble before you."
"You mean that?" mused the Daan ruler. "You find me attractive, Steve of Emmeity?"
"Do my eyes," breathed Duane, "not answer for me?"