The girl hid them in the folds of the bosom of her robe, said farewell to her friend, and remained quite grave and collected, while Serapion, with tears in his eyes, stroked her hair, gave her his parting blessing, and finally even hung round her neck an amulet for good luck, that his mother had worn--it was an eye in rock-crystal with a protective inscription.

Then, without any further delay, she set out towards the temple gate, which, in obedience to the commands of the high priest, was now locked.

The gate-keeper--little Philo's father--sat close by on a stone bench, keeping guard.

In a friendly tone Klea asked him to open the gate; but the anxious official would not immediately comply with her request, but reminded her of Asclepiodorus' strict injunctions, and informed her that the great Roman had demanded admission to the temple about three hours since, but had been refused by the high-priest's special orders.

He had asked too for her, and had promised to return on the morrow.
The hot blood flew to Klea's face and eyes as she heard this news.