THE ORDEAL OF IDA PENDRAGON
ever so many more than one would think.
This proves that
God is good.
And then, you see, there are beetles.
Beetles
and
beetles.
And
scorpions.
Dear
little
amber
beasts.
There! one has stung me.
It is the sacrament of hate.
I
Will Sleep in a bed of scorpions and rose-leaves.
Scorpions
are better than thorns.
Why do
I wander about naked?
And why do I thirst?
And this torment of cold?
It ought
to be hot in the desert.
And it isn’t.
Now that proves—0h
yes, my cat! you shall have milk.
I will strike a rock for
you.
Milk and honey.”
She started up suddenly, and put her hands to her face,
then threw them round his neck.
" Edgar, darling
! " she cried, “your pussy has had such a
dreadful dream.
Come and love his girl
1 ”
He dared not tell her that she had tried and failed, that she
had come come back as she set out.
He flung his will into
that act of mercy; his kisses ravished her into delight.
It was late morning when they woke, faint with rapture,
fresh kisses blossoming on their young lips, as the sun himself
lit their awakening with his love.
Only then came memory, and solemnity, and sorrow.
“I must catch the {our o’clock,” he said, as he left her;
“ one ofthese addresses always finds me. Telegraph ifyou need
me.
I would come from the ends of the earth, if I must: but
you know the Brothers?
When you need me really I shall be
at your shoulder.
Ο my darling! my darling
! " he broke out,
falling to tenderness, half human and half superhuman
; “ how
I love you! how Ι love you
! I hate going to England.”
" Oh yes
! your martyrdom
!
I wish
I were worthy to
share it.”
I33