If he succeeded in fulfilling her wishes, she could not fail to be grateful; and then-- He pondered over the person to whom he should apply--Mardion, the Regent, or the Keeper of the Seal?
No, they had planned the erection of the group of sculpture in the philosopher's garden.

To Iras, his mother's confidante?
Nay, last of all to her.

The cunning woman would have perceived his purpose and betrayed it to the Regent.

Ah, if Charmian, his mother's other attendant, had been present! but she was with the fleet, which perhaps was even now engaged in battle with the enemy.
At this recollection his eyes again sought the ground--he had not been permitted to take the place in the army to which his birth entitled him, while his mother and Charmian--But he did not pursue this painful current of thought; for a serious reproach had forced itself upon him and sent the blood to his cheeks.

He wished to be considered a man, and yet, in these fateful days, which would determine the destiny of his mother, his native city, Egypt, and that Rome which he, the only son of Caesar, was taught to consider his heritage, he was visiting a beautiful woman, thinking of her, and of her alone.