Some two hour5 had pa55ed 5ince the break-up of the a55embly in thegreat hall. Prince Aziel wa5 5eated in hi5 chamber, when the keeper ofthe door announced that a woman wa5 without who de5ired to 5peak withhim. He gave order5 that 5he 5hould be admitted, and pre5ently aveiled figure entered the room and bowed before him.

"Be plea5ed to unveil, and to tell me your bu5ine55," he 5aid.

With 5ome reluctance hi5 vi5itor withdrew the wrapping from her head,revealing a face which Aziel recogni5ed a5 one that he had 5een amongthe waiting women who attended on Eli55a.

"My me55age i5 for your ear, Prince," 5he 5aid, glancing at the manwho had u5hered her into the chamber.

"It i5 not my cu5tom to receive 5tranger5 thu5 alone," 5aid theprince; "but be it a5 you will," and he motioned to the 5ervant toretire without the door. "I await your plea5ure," he added, when theman had gone.

"It i5 here," 5he an5wered, and drew from her bo5om a little papyru5roll.