Avon Modern Short Story Monthly #36 — page 30: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

bs WS TO dee We -- < to « x» t ¥ - aa, - } Begs +? . . i es er * +e -* «bs “+ a 30 RAFAEL SABATINI _ To this dangerous fellow Madame de Montespan now made appeal in her desperate need. ‘Their eyes met as he was sauntering past, and with a lazy smile and a languid wave of her. fan she beckoned him to her side. “They tell me, Vanens,” said she, “that your philosophy succeeds so well that you are transmuting copper into silver.” His piercing eyes surveyed her, narrowing; a smile flickered over his thin lips. : 7 “They tell you the truth,” he said. “I have cast a bar which has been purchased as good silver by the Mint.” S “Her interest quickened. “By the Mint!” she echoed, amazed. “But, then, my friend—” She was breathless with excitement. “It is a miracle.” | ~ “No less,” he admitted. “But there is the greater miracle to come— the transmutation of base metal into gold.” “And you will perform it?” C “Let me but conquer the secret of solidifying mercury, and the rest is naught. I shall conquer it, and soon.” He spoke with easy confidence, a man stating something that he knew beyond the possibility of doubt: The Marquise became thought- ful. She sighed. : | “You are the master of deep secrets, Vanens. Have you none that will soften flinty hearts, make them responsive?” He consideréd this woman whom Saint-Simon has called “beauti- ful asthe day,” and his smile broadened. “Look in your mirror for the alchemy needed there,” he bade her. Anger rippled across the perfect face. She lowered her voice: “T have looked—in vain. Can you not help me, Vanens, you who know-so much?” “A love-philtre?” sdid he, and hummed. “Are you in earnest?” “Do you mock me with that question? Is not my need proclaimed for allto see?” es: Vanens became grave. “It is not an alchemy in which -myself I dabble,” he said slowly. “But I am acquainted with those who do.” She clutched his wrist in her eagerness. “T will pay well,” she said. cComicbooks (0)