And she went out to the great road beyond the garden gate.
CHAPTER XXXVIII
THE DEAD PRIEST
That night, with none to question her, Saronia passed out from the Temple towards the Sacred Grove of Hecate.
Arrived there, she offered sacrifice, and left the dying embers blackening the sacred altar. Perchance some priestess next day should secretly want proof of Saronia's visit. This done, she hastened to the meeting-place on the bank of the Cayster, where Chios awaited her, and, like a faithful hound, Endora stood guard a hundred paces off, the only access to the river's brink.
Saronia and Chios were safe. He spoke first.
'Why comest thou here, my love, and such a fearful night? How the winds search through the trees and tangle thy beautiful tresses!
'What hast thou to say? Thou runnest fearful risk. And yonder woman—canst thou really trust her?'
'Yes, trust her fully; she is safe. I have desired to see thee, Chios, and have dared everything. I would know more of this faith,' and her voice sank to a whisper. 'Since thou gavest me the parchment to read my mind ever reverts to the words of fire it contains. I would know their hidden meaning, trace them to their source, and plant them in my heart were I sure they were words of truth. Thou hast a noble teacher in the man who wrote them. Is it possible, Chios, I may meet him and learn fully? My brain, disorganized, reeling with doubt, will madden me to death. I cannot live without knowing the truth. Tell me, canst thou help me?'
'Saronia, what thou askest is a fearful thing. I wish thee every good, and would pour out my life to serve thee; but hast thou considered—hast thou counted the cost?