"Come, sir, let us now go in; you begin to find your tongue, and even a prophet, I see, can flatter." So saying she drew her mantle over her head, and they walked in silence towards the house. Corianton, as he walked away, did not observe shadowy forms glide from under adjacent trees, hold a brief consultation and depart from the spot which he himself had just quitted. CHAPTER EIGHT. THE REVEL. As Corianton and Joan approached the house, lively strains of music floated out upon the evening air, and lights gleamed from all the windows; now sounds of revelry could be heard--the merry laugh, and flying feet. In the hall they were met by Seantum. "Returned home at last, Corianton, eh?" he said with blustering familiarity, "what, and with Joan, too!" "Yes, kinsman; I found our prophet as he was entering the grounds, and have detained him long enough to deliver my message." "Quite right, too, quite right; if you have anything to do, do it, and do it at once, say I. But come, sir, some young people have gathered here, to make merry the night, recreation will do you good, sir; youth was made for enjoyment, sir, and youth cheats itself if it make not good use of its time." "Oh, kinsman, you forget!" said Joan. "This man, though he hath not a gray beard, or a stooped back--and though he hath no staff, yet is he a holy man! and will account the youthful revels you commend, as sinful. Alas," said she, with charming mock solemnity,--"alas, that youth should so soon wed itself to the vocation of the aged! Besides, I warrant me, he will tell thee he must first counsel with his fellow-prophets, before he can stir in what you would have him enjoy. So pray forbear, tempt not the holy prophet!" And with this tantalizing witchery she left him. Seantum laughed heartily at the evident discomfiture of Corianton. "By my life, sir, she hath hit you as hard with her sarcasm of your solemnities, as your ridicule hits the weakness of our Zoramite faith; but come, sir, come, you must rally, you must let her see that you have spirit--which I know you have--go in, sir," lowering his voice, "it shall not harm your reputation; go in, you shall find beauty, gaiety, pleasure and secrecy beneath my roof--go in, sir; youth was made for pleasure!"