The absorption of thought by a band of magnetised steel was a startling fact, nevertheless the theory was, as I afterwards found, not an altogether unknown one. In the scientific domain nothing can be declared absolute, and this disclosure, marvellous and incomprehensible as it appeared, was, nevertheless, but a re-discovery of a mystical force which the ancients had accepted without seeking the cause, and the knowledge of which had been lost and forgotten by later generations.
“Is there nothing more thou hast to tell me, Zoraida?” I asked, my arm stealing around her waist, as I drew her towards me.
“Nothing,” she answered. “This carved tablet, a portion of the strange heirloom that hath been in my family through so many years, and hath brought thee wealth, I give unto thee. I have no further explanation to make regarding my past—only to tell thee that from the first hour we met, when I was enabled to sever the bonds that held thee to the asp, I have, loved thee;” and as her head pillowed itself upon my breast, I bent, kissing her white brow with fervent devotion.
“Thou art snatched from an ignominious death,—or a fate worse even than the guillotine,—and thou art mine for ever, Zoraida. Thou goest with me to mine own world, a world that to thee will be strange and full of marvels; nevertheless, we shall be happy in each other’s love always—always.”
Her tiny hand clasped in mine tightened and trembled as she raised her beautiful face.
“I have looked with thoughts of love upon no man but thee, Cecil,” she said. “To thee I owe my liberty, my life! Thou art mine own—mine own;” and our lips met, sealing a lifelong compact.