Miska had never moved from the doorway by which Stuart had gone out; and now, having listened covertly and heard no outcry, her faith in Chunda Lal was restored. Her wonderful eyes narrowed momentarily, and she spoke with the guile, which seems so naive, of the Oriental woman.
"I care nothing for him—this Dr. Stuart. But he had done you no wrong——"
"Beyond seeking my death—none. I have already said"—the eyes of
Fo-Hi gleamed through the hideous veil—"that I bear him no ill will."
"But you plan to carry him to China—like those others."
"I assign him a part in the New Renaissance—yes. In the Deluge that shall engulf the world, his place is in the Ark. I honor him."
"Perhaps he rather remain a—nobody—than be so honored."
"In his present state of imperfect understanding it is quite possible," said Fo-Hi smoothly. "But if he refuses to achieve greatness he must have greatness thrust upon him. Van Rembold, I seem to recall, hesitated for some time to direct his genius to the problem of producing radium in workable quantities from the pitchblend deposits of Ho-Nan. But the split rod had not been applied to the soles of his feet more than five times ere he reviewed his prejudices and found them to be surmountable."
Miska, knowing well the moods of the monstrous being whose unveiled face she had never seen, was not deceived by the suavity of his manner. Nevertheless, she fought down her terror, knowing how much might depend upon her retaining her presence of mind. How much of her interview with Stuart he had overheard she did not know, nor how much he had witnessed.
"But," she said, moving away from him, "he does not matter—this one.
Forgive me if I think to let him go; but I am afraid——"
Fo-Hi crossed slowly, intercepting her.