O girl of gold, sang the heart in Croft's breast--O wonder-woman of all the universe of life! How well he knew her meaning. How well he sensed that in his words of promise for a future strength in her nation which would render needless her living immolation on the altar of patriotic duty, she saw a possible answer to that prayer she had lifted to Zitu, and Ga, and Azil the Giver of Life. And, how he longed to turn and sweep her supple form into his arms, crush it against his breast and speak to her soul the words which should assure her that he stood even now between her and the coming fate she loathed. As it was he sought to reassure by his reply. "Yes, Naia of Aphur, I think that indeed Zitu hears a troubled spirit's prayer. As for the form his answer may take--what man knows?" Her lips parted. "Aye, who knows," she repeated. "How long a time shall it require to bring these things to pass?" "They shall be Aphur's before a cycle has run out," said Croft. "Zitu! Then--then Aphur shall be strong beyond Jadgor's dreams ere--ere so short a time is gone!" Again Croft's heart pounded in his breast. Almost she had said ere--she was forced into hated wedlock with Kyphallos, he thought. He inclined his head. "But why," Naia went on more calmly, "being of Nodhur, did you come with these plans to Aphur, my lord?" "You have said it." Croft turned to face her fully. "I?" She drew herself a trifle back as in surprise. "Yes. Because I am _your_ lord." Croft did not hesitate now. And suddenly he saw once more that strange, startled look of half recognition which had leaped at him over the rim of the silver goblet the night of the betrothal-feast. "_My_ lord?" Naia began and faltered and came to a pause. "Aye--yours." Croft bent toward her. "Because I knew of you--and so knowing, knew you the one woman in all Tamarizia, or in all the worlds Zitu has made, whom I wished to possess as wife. Because I love you, Naia, Princess of Aphur. Because you are mine, and I yours, and have been since Zitu himself sent our two souls to dwell in the flesh. Because your flesh cries to mine, your soul calls to mine, your spirit seeks to be one with mine, as mine with yours. Therefore forgetting caste and all else, came I to Aphur and to you. Caste I have overridden and risen above. Think you I shall let Cathur stand between me and the heaven of your lips, the soft prison of your arms?" * * * * *