Womanhood and love belong to life, while Muspel is above life.""I give you all other men," said Sullenbode. "Maskull is mine.""No. I am not here to help Maskull to a lover but to remind him of the existence of nobler things.""You are a good man. But you two alone will never strike the road to Adage.""Are you acquainted with it?"
Again the woman gripped Maskull's arm. "What is love - which Corpang despises?"Maskull looked at her attentively. Sullenbode went on, "Love is that which is perfectly willing to disappear and become nothing, for the sake of the beloved."Corpang wrinkled his forehead. "A magnanimous female lover is new in my experience."Maskull put him aside with his hand, and said to Sullenbode, "Are you contemplating a sacrifice?"She gazed at her feet, and smiled. "'What does it matter what my thoughts are? Tell me, are you starting at once, or do you mean to rest first? It's a rough road to Adage.""What's in your mind?" demanded Maskull.
"I will guide you a little. When we reach the ridge between Sarclash and Adage, perhaps I shall turn back.""And then?"
"Then if the moon shines perhaps you will arrive before daybreak, but if it is dark it's hardly likely.""That's not what I meant. What will become of you after we have parted company?""I shall return somewhere - perhaps here."Maskull went close up to her, in order to study her face better.
"Shall you sink back into - the old state?""No, Maskull, thank heaven."
"Then how will you live?"
Sullenbode calmly removed the hand which he had placed on her arm.
There was a sort of swirling flame in her eyes. "And who said Iwould go on living?"
Maskull blinked at her in bewilderment. A few moments passed before he spoke again. "You women are a sacrificing lot. You know I can't leave you like this."Their eyes met. Neither withdrew them, and neither felt embarrassed.