THE BLACK DWARF Some two hours had passed since the break-up of the assembly in the great hall.

Prince Aziel was seated in his chamber, when the keeper of the door announced that a woman was without who desired to speak with him.

He gave orders that she should be admitted, and presently a veiled figure entered the room and bowed before him.
"Be pleased to unveil, and to tell me your business," he said.
With some reluctance his visitor withdrew the wrapping from her head, revealing a face which Aziel recognised as one that he had seen among the waiting women who attended on Elissa.
"My message is for your ear, Prince," she said, glancing at the man who had ushered her into the chamber.
"It is not my custom to receive strangers thus alone," said the prince; "but be it as you will," and he motioned to the servant to retire without the door.

"I await your pleasure," he added, when the man had gone.
"It is here," she answered, and drew from her bosom a little papyrus roll.
"Who wrote this ?" he asked.
"I know not, Prince; it was given to me to pass on to you." Then he opened the roll and read.

It ran thus: "Though we parted with bitter words, still in my sore distress I crave the comfort of your counsel.