When the time--who knows how soon ?--is fulfilled for you, it will determine the good or evil of your whole life." "An inward voice tells me that also," answered Melissa, pressing her hands on her panting bosom.

"Just feel how my heart beats!" Euryale, smiling, complied with this wish, and as she did so she shuddered.

How pure and lovable was this young creature; and Melissa looked to her like a lamb that stood ready to hasten trustfully to meet the wolf! At last she led her guest into the room where supper was prepared.
The master of the house would not be able to share it, and while the two women sat opposite one another, saying little, and scarcely touching either food or drink, Philostratus was announced.
He came as messenger from Caracalla, who wished to speak to Melissa.
"At this hour?
Never, never! It is impossible!" exclaimed Euryale, who was usually so calm; but Philostratus declared, nevertheless, that denial was useless.

The emperor was suffering particularly severely, and begged to remind Melissa of her promise to serve him gladly if he required her.

Her presence, he assured Euryale, would do the sick man good, and he guaranteed that, so long as Caesar was tormented by this unbearable pain, the young woman had nothing to fear.
Melissa, who had risen from her seat when the philosopher had entered, exclaimed: "I am not afraid, and will go with you gladly--" "Quite right, child," answered Philostratus, affectionately.