"Heidel von Hymack," came the words--not voiced, but in a whisper that carried far better than ordinary speech.

"Lady--"

"You did not heed my warning. You started out too soon."

"I know. I know ... When I am awake you seem unreal, just as now that other place seems but a dream."

He heard her soft laughter.

"You have the best of both worlds, you know," she said, "a thing that is seldom given to a man. While you are here with me in this pleasant bower, your body writhes with the extreme symptoms of terrible diseases. When you awaken there, you will be refreshed and whole once again."

"For a time," he said, seating himself on a stone bench that ran along a wall, resting his back against the wall's cool roughness.

"... And when that fresh time has passed, you may return here at will--" (Was that a trick of moonlight or a glimpse of her dark, dark eyes? he wondered) "--to be renewed."

"Yes," he said. "What happens here when I am there?"

He felt her fingertips brush against his cheek. There came a whelming of delight within him.

"Are you not happiest when you are here?" she asked.

"Yes, Myra-o-arym," and he turned his head and kissed her fingertips. "But other things than disease seem to remain behind when I come here--things that should be in my mind. I-- I cannot remember."

"This is as it must be, _Dra_ von Hymack. --Now, you must remain with me this time until you are fully refreshed, for the fluids of your body must be in perfect balance for you to do what must be done upon your return. You may depart this place at will, as well you know. But this time I recommend that you await my advice."

"This time I shall, Lady. --Tell me things."

"What things, my child?"

"I-- I am trying to think of them. I--"

"Do not try too hard. It will be of no avail--"