"When they come," said Jack, discreetly repressing the incredulous smile that almost forced itself upon his lips.
"When _he_ comes," said Colenna, lifting his hat reverently. "Yes, when _he_ returns to us."
"You don't believe in that, I know," interposed Zonella; "yet we all do; and it is a good thing we do, I think, for I fear many in the land would go mad under their dread of Coryon, if they did not believe in a happier future for the country. But there," she added sadly, "it does not matter to _you_. You have no interest in what may go on here in the future. You intend to go back to your own country, and care little for the sorrows or the fate of those you leave behind."
Colenna had walked away some little distance, to examine a shield that he thought was not quite so bright as it should be.
"Not care!" Jack exclaimed, impulsively. "Why, how can you say that? It is that thought that grieves me all the time I am here; that makes me doubt how I shall ever be able to make up my mind to leave. To leave behind one's dearest----"
Zonella turned to him quickly, with a heightened colour and a bright look. This was so unexpected that he stopped and hesitated.
"Well?" she said. "You said your dearest----"
"My dearest friend, Leonard--of course," he answered, looking at her in some surprise.
But Zonella's face paled, and she turned away.
"Let us go," she said with a shiver, as though a cold wind had blown upon her. "This old gallery is kept locked up so much it gets to smell musty, and makes one feel quite faint."
One morning, Monella sought Leonard and reverted to their former conversation about Ulama.
"You have well considered all the words I spoke to you, my son?" he said. "Are you still of the same mind?"
"I had hoped that you knew me too well to think it necessary to ask the question," Leonard said earnestly. "Since I first looked upon Ulama, my love for her has been given past all recall. I have never wavered in my resolution to remain here for her dear sake, if I may hope to gain the king's consent."
"Then," returned Monella, "the king would talk with you concerning it. Let us go to him."
And, without further preface, he led the young man into the private chamber of King Dranoa, where he left him.