This was but natural, as she was at the head of the Christian women of Alexandria, while the household of Porphyrius--though the master himself had been baptized--was as thoroughly heathen as any in Alexandria.
Karnis heard nothing of all this, for he came last of the party.

Orpheus and Agne followed next to Herse and the steward, and after them came two slaves, carrying the lutes and pipes.

Agne walked with downcast eyes, as if she desired to avoid seeing all that surrounded her, though when Orpheus addressed her she shyly glanced up at him and answered briefly and timidly.

They presently came out of an obscure alley by the canal connecting Kibotus with Lake Mareotis where the Nile-boats lay at anchor.

Karnis drew a deeper breath, for here the air was clear and balmy; a light northerly breeze brought the refreshing fragrance of the sea, and the slender palm-trees that bordered the canal threw long shadows mingling with the massive shade of the sycamores.