CHAPTER XX.
THE DARK MAIDEN LAYELAH Layelah at length began to make pointed remarks about Almah.
"She loves you," said she, "and you love her.

How is it that you do not give each other up ?" "I would die rather than give up Almah," said I.
Layelah smiled.

"That sounds strange to the Kosekin," said she, "for here to give up your love and to die are both esteemed the greatest possible blessings.

But Almah should give you up.

It is the women with us who make the beginning.