I came to you, O Heliodora, as to one before whom men bow, one whose beauty is resistless, whose wish is a command.

What gave me courage was a word that fell from Bessas himself when I sat at table with him yesterday.

"Wore I the purple," he said, "Heliodora should be my Empress."' 'Bessas said that ?' 'He did--and in the presence of Muscula, who heard it, I am bound to say, with a sour visage.' Heliodora threw back her head and laughed.

'I think he has scarce seen me thrice,' fell from her musingly.

'Tell him from me,' she added, 'that it is indiscreet to talk of wearing the purple before those who may report his words.' There was a silence.