"But, O my Queen, if ever my opinion had the slightest weight with you--" "I desire no counsel now, but demand the fulfilment of my orders!" cried Cleopatra resolutely.

"As soon as those whom I expect are here--" The Queen was interrupted by a chamberlain, who announced the arrival of the men whom she had summoned, and Cleopatra bade him tell them that she was on her way to the council chamber.

Then she turned again to Iras and in rapid words commanded her to go at once in a closed carriage, accompanied by a reliable person, to Barine's house.

She must be brought to the palace without the least delay--Iras would understand--even if it should be necessary to rouse her from her sleep.

"I wish to see her as if a storm had forced her suddenly upon the deck of a ship," she said in conclusion.
Then snatching a small tablet from the dressing-table, she scrawled upon the wax with a rapid hand: "Cleopatra, the Queen, desires to see Barine, the daughter of Leonax, without delay.