THE TWO CAPTAINS.
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little strangely interwoven; each, that is to say, partaking of the
nature of the other, in a similar manner to that which you must have
seen in our Arabian carving! A moving flower, a bird growing on a
branch, a fountain gleaming with fiery sparks, a singing twig--these
are truly no hateful things!" "He must avoid temptation who does not
wish to be overcome by it," said Heimbert very gravely; "I am for the
desert. Will it please you to come out to visit me again?" Zelinda
looked down somewhat displeased. Then suddenly bending her head
still lower she replied, "Yes; toward evening I shall be here again."
And, turning away, she at once disappeared in the rising whirlwind of
the desert.




CHAPTER XII.



With the evening twilight the lovely lady returned and spent the
night in converse with the pious youth, leaving him in the morning
with her mind more humble, pure, and devout; and thus matters went on
for many days. "Thy palm-wine and thy dates must be coming to an
end," said Zelinda one evening as she presented the youth with a
flask of rich wine and some costly fruits. He, however, gently put
aside the gift and said, "Noble lady, I would accept your gift
gladly, but I fear some of your magic arts may perhaps cleave to it.
Or could you assure me to the contrary by Him whom you are now
beginning to know?" Zelinda cast down her eyes in silent confusion
and took her presents back. On the following evening, however, she
brought similar gifts, and, smiling confidently, gave the desired
assurance. Heimbert then partook of them without hesitation, and
from henceforth the disciple carefully provided for the sustenance of
her teacher in the wilderness.

And so, as the blessed knowledge of the truth sank more and more
deeply into Zelinda's soul, so that she was often sitting till dawn
before the youth, with cheeks glowing and hair dishevelled, her eyes
gleaming with delight and her hands folded, unable to withdraw
herself from his words, he, on his part, endeavored to make her
sensible at all times that it was only Fadrique's love for her which
had urged him, his friend, into this fatal desert, and that it was