"I walked by Echri's side back into the Temple and as I entered, a song of my triumph over death was raised in my honour, and strains of sweet music rolled through the mighty dome like a paean of praise. I ran forward in my new-found joy, and Volinè, sobbing and weeping bitterly, fell senseless into my arms! "'Joy doth not kill, my son. Let her tears flow freely, for they will bear away her sorrow; and her faintness is but caused by her pleasure at seeing thee.' "Slowly we brought my poor darling back to life, and then she and I wended our way from this tabernacle of fiery mystery into the place where we might start back to Edos again. In my great concern for Volinè, I forgot even to thank Echri, or to speak to any living soul but her. All my thoughts were centered in Volinè, and the moment that we were at last alone in the carriage I took her in my arms, and we rained passionate kisses upon each other's lips. "'Oh, Harry, how I love thee! Verily hast thou won me at the Shrine of Death.' "'The joy that fills these fleeting moments is a full recompense for aught that I have suffered, darling. And now you must try and be your own dear self. I want to see the roses in your cheeks again, and the happy careless smile upon your lips once more. Come, darling, cheer up now! All is over, and we have the long and radiant future before us.' "'Wilt thou always be so good and kind and loving as thou art just now? Oh, Harry, I shall worship thee if thou art ever so.' "'For ever, my dear one! For I love you--love you better now, Volinè, than I ever have before. And, darling, I have now a request to ask.' "'Anything that I can grant thee thou canst have for asking. Do with me as thou wilt.' "'Then, dear one, when may I look for the consummation of my happiness? When shall our nuptials be? When will you name your bridal day, so that I may make you my own for evermore?' "'Oh, Harry, thy words almost frighten me! How impatient thou hast become! In how many months must I say--?' "'How--many--months--' I repeated in despair. 'Nay, surely you will not be so cruel! Promise me in one month--even in less.' "'If my father so wishes, then will I favour thee,' she answered, hiding her blushing cheeks upon my breast. 'Now, wilt that content thee?' "By this time we had reached the Palace grounds in Edos again; and upon leaving the car we found Volinè's two handmaidens waiting for their mistress. There I left her in their charge, and sought the Palace by another way, alone." CHAPTER XVIII. THE FIGHT FOR VOLINÈ.