Then came a thought.
"Yes," I said hoarsely.

"I understand that you grieve over that matter of the Augustus and the poisoned figs, and would pray me to keep silence.

Have no fear, my lips are sealed, but for his I cannot answer, though perhaps as he had drunk so much----" "Fool!" she whispered.

"Is it thus that an Empress pleads with her captain to keep silence ?" Then she drew herself up, a wonderful look upon her face that had grown suddenly white, a fire in her upturned eyes, and for the second time kissed me upon the lips.
I took her in my arms and kissed her back.

For an instant my mind swam.
Then in my soul I cried for help, and strength came to me.