Her cheeks flushed and paled; her thin lips were more firmly compressed, and she gazed intently at the basket of fruit in the mosaic floor at her feet as if she were counting the cherries that filled it.

But she suddenly pushed the little curls back from her forehead, darted swiftly down the stairs, and called to Alexas just as he was about to leave the atrium.
The Syrian hastened towards her, extolling the good fortune that made his sun rise for him a second time that night, but she cut him short with the words; "Cease this foolish love-making.

It would be far better for us both to become allies in serious, bitter earnest.

I am ready." "So am I!" cried the Syrian rapturously, pressing his hand upon his heart.
Meanwhile Cleopatra had entered the chamber where the children lay sleeping.

Deep silence pervaded the lofty hall hung with bright-hued carpets, and softly lighted by three lamps with rose-colored globes.