Iddo did not answer, but her eyes grew angry at the thought of the girl's desertion. "I don't suppose," added Jealousy, "if you meet her again that she will care at all for you, as she is evidently quite taken up with her new friend." "Oh can't you leave me alone, I'm miserable enough without your talk," cried Iddo, who had forgotten by this time that she had a remedy close at hand in her sword. "Of course," continued her companion, "you have not a chance. You will never be her friend again." And at those words the girl flung herself on the ground and sobbed. Jealousy, because he had not been worsted at once, but had been listened to and talked to, had won his point, and had worked Iddo's feelings up to such a pitch of anger that she almost felt that she hated Aimee. How long she sat sobbing and rocking herself to and fro on the ground, her heart filled with the thoughts that Jealousy had planted there, she did not know, but at last feeling exhausted and a little frightened lest she should not find her way out of Achshaph, she rose and took to looking for her armour in earnest. It was only then that she discovered to her great distress that the flowers that now hung about her were dead, and had stained her dress with their colours. She took them angrily out of her hair and waistband and threw them away; but though the flowers were gone the stains still remained, and she wondered ruefully what her mother would say when she saw her. And from her mother her thoughts flew to her King. How she must have grieved Him, how disappointed He must be in her! Suddenly she fell on her knees and clasped her hands, crying for forgiveness and help. And no sooner did she cry than a bright angel came to her aid, and taking her by the hand lifted her up and led her to a fountain that was close beside her, and in which she washed her dress of its stains. Then silently the angel showed her where she could again find her armour, and clad her with it, and so once more ready for her journey to the Radiant City, Iddo found herself on the right path and before long was folded in her mother's arms. CHAPTER IX. A FIERCE CONFLICT. After their journey through Achshaph Amer and his friend Heman passed through a time of rest, peace, and joy. Their path led them beside the green pastures and still waters, and though both of them had their hand on their sword ready to fight the enemy at a moment's notice, they were for a time left in peace. Many a lesson did Amer learn from Heman, lessons of patience and humility; though if Heman had been told what his example was doing for his young friend he would have been surprised indeed. This humility was one of the chief marks of the King's servants, for they knew that every virtue they possessed, "every victory won, and every thought of holiness," was due to the King's presence—and to Him alone.