You must understand the worst; and again I ask you, are you ready to risk all for those you love?
Have you the courage to venture into the lion's den ?" Melissa clung more closely to the motherly woman, and her pale lips answered faintly but firmly, "I am ready, and he will grant my prayer." "Child, child," cried Berenike in horror, "you know not what lies before you! You are dazzled by the happy confidence of inexperienced youth.

I know what life is.

I can see you, in your heart's blood, as red and pure as the blood of a lamb! I see--Ah, child! you do not know death and its terrible reality." "I know it!" Melissa broke in with feverish excitement.

"My dearest--my mother--I saw her die with these eyes.

What did I not bury in her grave! And yet hope still lived in my heart; and though Caracalla may be a reckless murderer, he will do nothing to me, precisely because I am so feeble.