Chapter 8

_The retreat of_ HIP LOONG, _the Wizard_.

_Time_: _the same night_.

_The curtain discovers_ MAH PHRU, _who has returned to human form_, _and the Wizard together_.

_He tells her that he has restored her to her former state only because she has implored him to do so_; _that her life is measured by hours as a consequence of such insensate folly in breaking the vow of five years back_.

"But the King will live," _she murmurs_.

"The King will live. He will find happiness with someone fairer than you. That is well. Your life for his. It is the price."

"The price is nothing. Have I not looked on my heart's beloved one for five years--looked on his face--heard his voice--trembled with joy at his footsteps? Have I not waited and watched? Have I not gazed on my sons and seen their royal bearing, and known their touch?"

"You are, then, content?"

"You are a Wizard--you can read that I am."

"It is not I that am a Wizard--it is Love. That is the only Wizard this world knows."

CURTAIN