Then I sat still and waited.

She also waited, brooding.
"Listen," she said after a while, "I will tell you a story and when you have heard it you shall answer, even if you do not believe it, but not before.

Does it please you to listen to something of the tale of my life which I am moved to tell you, that you may know with whom you have to deal ?" Again I bowed, thinking to myself that I knew nothing that would please me more, who was eaten up with a devouring curiosity about this woman.
Now she rose from her couch and descending off the dais, began to walk up and down the chamber.

I say, to walk, but her movements were more like the gliding of an eagle through the air or the motion of a swan upon still water, so smooth were they and gracious.

As she walked she spoke in a low and thrilling voice.
"Listen," she said again, "and even if my story seems marvellous to you, interrupt, and above all, mock me not, lest I should grow angry, which might be ill for you.