"Say rather the fully developed flower has learned from her royal friend the secret of eternal youth." With a swift impulse of gratitude Iras bent her face towards him in the dusk, extending the slender white hand--next to Cleopatra's famed as the most beautiful at court--for him to kiss, but when he merely pressed his lips lightly on it with no shadow of tenderness, she hastily withdrew it, exclaiming as if overwhelmed by sudden repentance: "This idle, hollow dalliance at such a time, with such a burden of anxiety oppressing the heart! It is un worthy, shameful! If Barine goes with Archibius, her time will scarcely hang heavy on his estates.

I think I know some one who will speedily follow to bear her company .-- Here, Sasis! the bearers! To the Tower of Nilus, before the Gate of the Sun!" Dion gazed after her litter a short time, then passed his hand through his waving brown hair, walked swiftly to the shore and, without pausing long to choose, sprang into one of the boats which were rented for pleasure voyages.

Ordering the sailors who were preparing to accompany him to remain on shore, he stretched the sail with a practised hand, and ran out towards the mouth of the harbour.

He needed some strong excitement, and wished to go himself in search of news..