I had commenced in Alexandria a figure of a girl holding her foot in her hand to take out a thorn, so I used your sister's for it." "And when my turn comes ?" Ledscha demanded.
"Then," he replied, freshly captivated by the magic of her beauty, in a kinder, almost tender tone, "then I will make of you, in gold and ivory, you wonderfully lovely creature, the counterpart of this goddess." "And you will need a long time for it ?" "The oftener you come the faster the work will advance." "And the more surely the Biamite women will point their fingers at me." "Yet you ventured here to-day, unasked, in the broad light of noon." "Because I wish to remind you myself that I shall expect you this evening.

Yesterday you did not appear; but to-day-I am right, am I not ?--to-day you will come." "With the greatest delight, if it is possible," he answered eagerly.
A warmer glance from her dark eyes rested upon him.

The blood seethed in his veins, and as he extended both hands to her and ardently uttered her name, she rushed forward, clinging to him with passionate devotion, as if seeking assistance, but when his lips touched hers she shrank back and loosed her soft arms from his neck.
"What does this mean ?" asked the sculptor in surprise, trying to draw her toward him again; but Ledscha would not permit it, pleading in a softer tone than before: "Not now; but--am I not right, dearest--I may expect you this evening?
Just this once let the daughter of Archias yield to me, who loves you better.

We shall have a full moon to-night, and you have heard what was predicted to me--to-night the highest bliss which the gods can bestow upon a mortal awaits me." "And me also," cried Hermon, "if you will permit me to share it with you." "Then I will expect you on the Pelican Island--just when the full moon is over the lofty poplars there.

You will come?
Not to the Owl's Nest: to the Pelican Island.