"Yes," answered Sybil, in the same absent and unconscious manner; for
she really had not the slightest idea of what he had been talking about,
but only a half-conscious instinct that the best and shortest, as well
as the most courteous, way, in which to be rid of him was to agree with
all he said. Her whole attention was still painfully absorbed by the
pair before her.
"But as for the gentleman, Saxon Harold, I do not recognize him at all!
However, he seems to be quite devoted to his fair Edith, as is most
natural! Fair Edith was his best beloved! best beloved? Yes, beloved far
beyond his queen!"
Sybil knew what he was saying now! She was listening to him with her
ears, while she was watching the pair before her with her eyes.
"When Harold's dead body was found on the battle-field, it was not the
queen, but Fair Edith, who was sent for to identify it, and to her it
was given," continued the stranger.
A half-suppressed cry broke from Sybil's lips.
"What is the matter? Are they treading on your feet?" inquired the mask.
"Some one is treading on me," murmured Sybil, with a sad double
meaning.
"Do not press on us so, if you please, sir!" said Death, turning and
staring angrily at the unoffending little Grand Turk, and Fenella the
dumb girl, who happened to be immediately in the rear. Having thus
brow-beaten the imaginary enemy, Death turned to his companion and said: "King Harold and Fair Edith were lovers, and these who assume their
parts are also lovers, and they take their related parts from a
sentimental motive! You are tired! let me lead you to a seat!" suddenly
exclaimed the stranger, feeling his partner's form drooping heavily from
his side.
She was almost fainting, she was almost sinking into a swoon. She
permitted her escort to take her to a chair, and to fetch her a glass of
water. And then she thanked him and requested him to select another
partner, as she was too much fatigued to go upon the floor again for an
hour, and that she preferred to sit where she was, and to watch the
masquerade march on before her.
But Death politely declared that he preferred to stand there by her and
share her pastime, if she would permit him to do so.
She bowed assent, and Death took up his position at her side.