"Mortal," she said, "you are wandering in a maze. You have come thus far
because I have led you, but you would have fallen if you had walked so
fast alone. Now look, and I will show you the lily-of-the-valley
cups--there are only a few there under the shelter of the gray stone
arch. Come."
And she opened the gate, letting go of his hand as she glided beyond.
"I cannot and will not hazard a step if you leave me," he called, and
she came back and gave him again her soft fingers to hold. So at last
they reached the summer house at the end of the second terrace, where
the archway was where old William kept his tools.
There were very few flowers out, but a mass of wild roses, and still
some May tulips bloomed, while from the meadow beneath them came that
indescribable freshness which young clover gives.
John Derringham knew now that he was dreaming--or drunk with some nectar
which was not of earth. And still she led him on, and then pointed to
the old bench which he could just see.
"We shall sit here," she said, "and Aphrodite shall tell us your
future--for see, she, too, loves the night and comes here with me.
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