But, forgive me the question, if all this tale be true, why did you marry another man ?" Now she shrank back as though a knife had pricked her.
"Oh! blame me not," she moaned, "it was but policy which bound me to this madman, whom I ever loathed.

They urged me to it; yes, even you, Simbri, my uncle, and for that deed accursed be your head--urged me, saying that it was necessary to end the war between Rassen's faction and my own.

That I was the last of the true race, moreover, which must be carried on; saying also that my dreams and my rememberings were but sick phantasies.

So, alas! alas! I yielded, thinking to make my people great." "And yourself, the greatest of them, if all I hear is true," commented Leo bluntly, for he was determined to end this thing.

"Well, I do not blame you, Khania, although now you tell me that I must cut a knot you tied by taking the life of this husband of your own choice, for so forsooth it is decreed by fate, that fate which _you_ have shaped.