CHAPTER XLIII - LAIS GROWS IMPATIENT

We are now able to make an enquiry as to how Glarces came into his deplorable condition, and in order to do this we must recall the very unsatisfactory position in which Lais found herself, on the night of his disappearance when she stepped on to the balcony of the palace and listened to the ominous murmur of the citizens.

Up to this point her mind swayed in a balance of indecision. Two courses of action were open to her, rivalling each other in the advantages they offered, and also the inexpediency of employment. She might stand upon her absolute authority as Queen, and without reference to the people keep Glarces a close prisoner in his own apartments, while by personal kindness and attention she conquered his prejudices and thus secured her ends. She knew every difficulty that stood in the way, but given the acquiescence of the people - of which there could be little doubt after some weak protest on the part of Teresh, or it might be some few others - there was a certain pleasurable pride in the idea of realising the dream of years, and overpowering his inflexible will. The alternative scheme was based upon the idea that every attribute of manliness is, without exception, corruptible - that it only needs tact, firm treatment, and graduated pressure rightly directed, and the most stalwart individual may be moulded to order. The latter was undoubtedly the shorter method, but the force required to crush his spirit and make him amenable to reason was a very doubtful quantity, and if, in the result, he was either in mind or body brought to a level of other and inferior men, where would be the glory and gratification of success ? Between these two perplexities she hesitated while time pressed. The outcome of her interviews with Zillah, Maphir, and Glarces warned her to act with promptitude. But what was it best to do? As a rule she had a most profound contempt for advice, but the rush of events had overpowered and bewildered her. Foresight was clouded and uncertain; tact was nervous; cunning and craft absent; in the crisis of her battle she was left impotent and alone.

For one trusty friend to counsel her aright what would she not now give?

Apart from Casca, however, she had absolutely no one to whom appeal was possible - in all the court, so ready to grovel for favours, there was none to whom she could seek with confidence. The eunuch was at best but a broken and uncertain reed. But he was her one and only forlorn hope, therefore he was sent for.

It was Petronius who cut the gordian knot and solved her perplexity by confirming the conclusion she had already arrived at concerning the voices in the city. Then it was that she intuitively conceived her dual scheme of pandering to the crowd in order to mislead them, and at the same time disposing of the Prince.

When Casca returned from the despatch of the proclamation she revealed and entrusted to him the carrying out of her newly conceived plan. Glarces must be secretly sent away. Their joint lives depended on this being done before the Council met. She was very careful to keep Casca's implication prominent as an incentive to fidelity, and with a well defined plan now clearly outlined, she used all her skill in manipulating her terrorised accomplice.

The chamberlain valued nothing on earth so highly as himself, and the one chief consideration of his life was to keep that precious treasure out of danger. Lais speedily convinced him that it was in anything but a secure position at that time, and every faculty he possessed was at once in arms on his own account.

Lais bade him find some place of concealment where the Prince would be safe but comfortable. She was willing for him to have two slaves, if necessary, such as could be trusted, to act as guard and servants, and for the space of three moons he should be subjected to a course of treatment which she would direct according as Casca was able to report. For the present she did not choose to know the place of his concealment, in order to justly plead her ignorance to the Council, but Casca would be safe from such enquiry by reason of his friendship with Glarces. Then she rehearsed the course she afterwards pursued, and shrewdly anticipated the effect it would produce upon the people, pointing out the way of escape they afterwards so completely realised.

Time makes one offer of success to every man, and as Casca listened to her plans he thought he saw his own. From that instant he began to gather himself together and consider the one advantage for which he had so long and impatiently waited.

If the Queen would leave the matter entirely in his hands every wish she had expressed should be faithfully carried out. He knew a place in the golden caves district where the Prince could be lodged at once. Easily and secretly accessible, comfortable and convenient, to which he could be removed by a secret passage leading from the palace without the knowledge of the guard and absolutely without fear of detection.

So it was decided, and a little later a secret door was silently opened in the Prince's bedroom, and Casca begged his friend, if he would save himself, to rise and follow him.

Glarces doubted for a moment what to do, but all things considered made up his mind to accept the opportunity of conference with those whom he could trust, though it led to no further advantage - for Casca assured him that Teresh and Zachra were awaiting his coming - and presently found himself in one of the rooms of the golden caves, which was reached by a subterranean passage from the palace.

Here the eunuch left him to apprise Teresh, and it was only when the doors closed, securely shutting him in, that Glarces suspected the trap.

On the morrow, when the escape had been discovered and the Queen had scored her great success, Casca leisurely returned to complete the deferred arrangements, though scarcely in accordance with the original design.

The promise of Lais that he might become the consort of a Queen, according to his own ambitious wish, had never been lost sight of, but he clearly saw that the realisation would not come so long as Glarces blocked the way. This had grown into a settled conviction. Now the gods had come to his assistance. Glarces was in his own hands, Lais not knowing where to find him, and the necessities of the situation demanded that this arrangement should last till the popular feeling in favour of the Prince had died away. If Glarces did not live so long, the power he had now for the first time obtained over Lais would be equal to securing the fulfilment of her promise. Hence the Prince must not live, and the method of treatment was devised accordingly.

The chamberlain in his wanderings - innocent and otherwise - through the caves had discovered several quiet nooks and corners, in one of which Glarces had passed the night. Sometimes in these curious rambles he had even ventured to cross the superstitious chasm, having had a little gangway made and kept in readiness for such occasions.

On this particular morning, Casca, with two slaves, crossed the gulf, and made a careful reconnaissance of many places on the other side. He appeared to be most fastidious in his choice, but at length found a chamber which commended itself by reason of being more damp and chilly than its neighbours.

Here a crevice in the wall was plugged in order to secure a short chain to which was attached a leathern belt, then sending the slaves for a quantity of litter to serve as a bed, the apartment was ready for its occupant.

When the Prince recognised the intent he protested vigorously against the incarceration, but without avail. Casca had force at hand, which he did not fail to use with brutal rigour. Self-interest cast aside the hypocritical guise of friendship which had been so long and irksomely worn in anticipation of reward, and Glarces was riveted to the wall of his living grave, his chain allowing him to sit or lie, but not to stand.

The wretch who had received such favours and confidence at the hand of his victim, had now only to provide for the retention of his secret, and not only Glarces but also Lais would be in his hands with the power of dictating terms. This was the opportunity foreseen, and he was determined to make the most of it.

Such a precaution presented but a trifling difficulty to a man who held the lives of slaves as cheaply as he. Divide the men so as to deal with them singly, and it was an easy matter to commit them to the abyss. He did so. Nor was he required to account for their absence, since the Queen had authorised him to leave two for the service and guarding of the Prince.

Thus was Glarces left alone in a blackness and silence few men could have endured for a day and keep their reason. In such surroundings he had struggled through an interminable age, the duration of which he had no means of measuring. Death courted, tempted, fascinated, and tried by a hundred inducements to compel him to accept her help and welcome relief; but he would not die! He would suffer and endure, but willingly succumb - never! At times he had been weak enough to murmur - even to plead for pity from his ruthless torturer, but he refused to purchase it by the loss of his integrity.

His food from the first had been rough, coarse, and insufficient, and served but once a day. But as time went on and he refused to accept liberty in accordance with his gaoler's demand, the allowance was still further reduced in order to compel submission by a gradual process of starvation.

Casca had no thought for anything now beyond gaining his own terms. It was a matter of perfect indifference to him whether Glarces or Lais succeeded in the present struggle; if the former, he would have to give some solid guarantee that whoever sat upon the throne - and the nomination would be in the Prince's hands - should marry Casca. If this offer was refused and maintained in face of a gradual process of starvation, he would exact the same terms from Lais before he produced his ward, with the alternative of restoring him to the people, who would, of course, hold her responsible for what had taken place.

Towards this end Casca manipulated all his reports, and ingeniously prevented Lais from visiting her obdurate cousin, while she sanctioned such modified restrictions and curtailment of privileges as the eunuch from time to time suggested as a method of persuasion.

We know the rest.

While Teresh, Tasha, and Zachra were sitting with the Prince, who gradually revived under the restoration of long lost companionship, and Maphir uneasily waited and watched for the coming of his suspected gaoler, Lais was anticipating a visit from Casca to bring her the last report she would receive from Glarces before the expiration of his sentence, and she could see him without any appearance of desire to mitigate his punishment. Of late these reports had shown signs of relenting, hopes had been encouraged, Casca had displayed most surprising tact, and in the following of his advice hopeful progress had been made, pointing to a consummation of the dearest wish of the Queen.

She waited the certain communication of to-night with all the ardent nervousness of a love-sick maid. Every woman - every man - imagines that her or his love is irresistible, and Glarces was not more confident of its ultimate omnipotence than Lais, who, after so much disappointment and so many years of waiting, was now nearing the threshold of fruition, and picturing to herself the added lustre it would bring to her public and private life. The sweet experiences of such enviable uncertainty come once to most lives, but are never repeated. Some one will ask if they are possible to such a woman as Lais? Yes, I think so! Nature is generously blind as to character in this experience, and grants it even to the depraved if haply the one blissful glimpse of true love may lead on to repentance.

But the curtains are drawn aside for Casca.

“Come, my lord. Your feet are heavy when you bear good news.”

“It was because the message tarried, O Queen, not that I have lingered.” “But you have brought his answer?” she asked anxiously. “I would I had.” “Not brought it! Why? What does he say?”

“He has much to say on many things. I never knew him to be so talkative as he is to-night. Yet, with all his speech, he says but little.”

“Does he understand himself?”

“Perhaps not, altogether - and yet I think he does. But the thought that he will so soon be free appears to overpower him.”

“Does he speak of us?”

The Queen was always careful to maintain the royal plural with her chamberlain, much to his chagrin; and he on his part, never lost any opportunity he dare attempt to remind her of their past association, which was not altogether at an end while the fate of Glarces was undetermined.

“He speaks of little else - or rather though he begins to speak of other things it always ends in Lais. Never but once in all our talk did he mention Vedrona's name.”

“And how was that?”

“He asked me if I thought Vedrona would be pleased if he should marry you.”

“Really? And what did you say?”

“What could I say but that I was sure she would? It was like signing my own condemnation to do it, but I could not be untrue.

“Poor Casca! We are truly sorry for you. But have we not always said how foolish you were in that respect?”

“Not if he had not lived.”

“No! Everything then would have been so different, and we would have married you if only for your devotion to our cause.”

“And if I am still content to wait?” he asked.

“No! we will not speak of that! It is unkind to cloud our joy almost before it is born.”

“Have I not assisted at its birth, even to my own disinheritance?”

“You have, my lord. But we would rather see you make another choice than waste your life.”

“A life in waiting for Sahama's Queen would be well spent if only at last I could call her mine.”

“Why, Casca, we never thought you could be so romantic.” “You have not known me, then.”

“Then now we do know you, though our promise at this moment almost amounts to infidelity, let us assure you that if you care to risk the waiting we shall not forget you. But we pray the gods that Glarces may outlive yourself.”

“And I am willing to say ‘Amen’ with such a promise.” “That is generous of you. Now tell us all he said.”

“He asks that you will allow him another week before he gives his final answer.”

“We cannot do that; the suspense of it would be too great to be borne.”

“There need be no suspense. His answer is already too well assured to be doubted. The delay need not defer the nuptials unless you desire it.”

“Not if he refuses?”

“He will not do that.”

“Do you think so?”

“I know it, but I have not his authority to say so.” “Are you sure of it?”

“I wish for my own sake I was not so sure.”

“You are a noble fellow, Casca, but we will see to it that you are amply rewarded.”

“It is reward enough that I have done my duty and been permitted to serve my Queen.”

“Still, we are not disposed to forget such fidelity in a trying time. But we must find a means to secure our cousin's consent without delay. You must return and tell him how the uncertainty distresses us - how we only live to be his and to serve him. You have already done a great work, go back and persuade him to this, then ask what you will and we will grant it.”

“I ask no reward but to serve the Queen at whose feet I have laid my life; but to move the will of Glarces is a task the gods would fail in.”

“Not if they truly loved a woman, for love is stronger even than divine omnipotence - it is the sovereign power of all; not even death can claim its freedom from love's dominion. If, therefore, your love for us is as you profess, go and do as we require you, and for its reward we grant you any petition you may make before you ask it.”

“That is if I succeed.”

“If he has already assured you, you will - you must succeed. You have but to gain his consent to tell us what he has already made known to you.”

“But why not accept the assurance I have given?”

“We cannot unless he sends it to us himself. You think our royal mind is moved by some fastidious notion in this request, but there you err. Hear why we press this matter. Meshrac has been with us and made known that to-morrow is Sahama's most auspicious day in the whole year, and by a fortunate coincidence our own lines of destiny cross its course and will be influenced for weal or woe. Now do you understand how anxious we are to shape our future fortunately? Nothing must be left uncertain or to chance. You must away to the Prince at once, and make this known to him and bring us his reply.”

“Does the Queen forget how Glarces laughs at omens and days of fate?”

“Then he must laugh no longer,” she answered, rising in most serious determination. “Lead us to him, and we will find such arguments as will convince him if he determines to refuse.”

This was a most unexpected development, creating a sort of panic in Casca's mind, since he knew Lais could be equally resolute as the Prince upon occasion. He had unwarily touched her religious superstitions. It is a curious fact - the one great miracle of the ages - that the instant the breath of doubt touches the robe of our saintliness it transforms it into the roaring furnace of a hell. Casca had

“Started such conflagration undesired,”

and in order to save himself he had to battle with and overcome it. “That is impossible. The Prince has now retired.” “Then we will rouse him.”

“And with that also excite his caution and determination not to yield.” “You fear to take us to him - why is this?”

“I? Nay, I am ready. If the Queen will follow I will lead the way.” “And we will soon decide the point whether Lais or Glarces rules.” “Will it not also cast the die of destiny?”

She stopped suddenly.

“Yes! We had lost sight of that! We must move with caution, Casca, and your foresight has saved us from a disaster we had overlooked. See! You shall go to him.” Then taking from her neck a chain, attached to which was the great amethyst Vedrona had given to Glarces, she continued: “Give him this stone, so full of sacred memories to himself, and tell him we have sent it with a deeper, sweeter, purer love than he has ever known, and as he hopes for the mercy of the gods, entreat him to hear our prayer and grant our heart's request.”

“I will see him at once. But I know the task I have before me, therefore I ask you not to expect his answer before the morning. But doubt not, I will bring it with me, and if the Queen will give me her tablets he shall write it thereon in his own hand.”

She handed him her tablets and pen.

“Yes, yes! Casca, go! And may the gods prosper you.”

“They will! Glarces shall consent, and the Queen shall know the power of Casca's love.”

He was gone.

“Is it myself or he,” she questioned when once more alone, “that is so strangely altered? I never saw him as he appears to be to-night. It cannot be that he has changed so very wondrously! Then it must be I - myself! And love has worked the transformation. The love of Glarces in its inward flow has so far changed me that I even fail to recognise myself. This is the great dawning of every woman's heaven - to hear and be assured that her love is treasured and returned by the one man who is nobler than all beside - the perfect model of the mighty gods on earth!”