"But the queen has worn them." "The queen!" cried her sister springing to her feet and clasping her hands in astonishment.

"She gave you the flowers?
And you never told me till now?
To be sure when you came home from the procession yesterday you only asked me how my foot was and whether my clothes were whole and then not another mortal word did you utter.

Did Cleopatra herself give you this bunch ?" "How should she ?" retorted Klea.

"One of her escort threw them to me; but drop the subject pray! Give me the water, please, my mouth is parched and I can hardly speak for thirst." The bright color dyed her cheeks again as she spoke, but Irene did not observe it, for--delighted to make up for her evil doings by performing some little service--she ran to fetch the water-jar; while Klea filled and emptied her wooden bowl she said, gracefully lifting a small foot, to show to her sister: "Look, the cut is almost healed and I can wear my sandal again.

Now I shall tie it on and go and ask Serapion for some bread for you and perhaps he will give us a few dates.