She thinks that, like a juggler who turns a white egg black, she can turn a heathen district into a Christian one by a twist of her finger.

Well--so far as I am concerned I will have nothing to do with the trick." During this harangue Marcus had alternately gazed at the floor and fixed his large eyes in anguish on his brother's face.

For some minutes he found nothing to reply, and he was evidently going through a bitter mental struggle.

Demetrius spoke no more, but arranged the sheets of papyrus that strewed the table.

At length Marcus, after a deep sigh, broke out in a tone of fervent conviction and with a blissful smile that lighted up his whole face: "Poor mother! And others misunderstand her just as you do; I myself was in danger of doubting her.