The palace-steward, to whom Selene had called up his younger daughter, had just returned from the meeting of the citizens; and his old black slave, who always accompanied him when he went out, took the saffron-colored pallium from his shoulders, and from his head the golden circlet, with which he loved to crown his curled hair when he quitted the house.

Keraunus still looked heated, his eyes seemed more prominent than usual and large drops of sweat stood upon his brow, when his daughter entered the room where he was.

He absently responded to Arsinoe's affectionate greeting with a few unmeaning words, and before making the important communication he had to disclose to his daughters, he walked up and down before them for some time, puffing out his fat cheeks and crossing his arms.

Selene was alarmed, and Arsinoe had long been out of patience, when at last he began: "Have you heard of the festivals which are to be held in Caesar's honor ?" Selene nodded and her sister exclaimed: "Of course we have! Have you secured places for us on the seats kept for the town council ?" "Do not interrupt me," the steward crossly ordered his daughter.

"There is no question of staring at them.