Yet it frightened her; and, besides, she was woman enough to feel it as an offense that the man who had assured her so sincerely of his gratitude, and who even feigned to love her, should have refused so harshly her desire to rest.

She foresaw that, as long as he remained in Alexandria, she would have to be his constant companion.
She trembled at the idea; yet, if she tried to fly from him, all she loved would be lost.

No, this must not be thought of! She must remain.
She threw herself on a divan, lost in thought, and as she realized the confidence of which the unapproachable, proud emperor had thought her worthy, a secret voice whispered to her that it was certainly a delightful thing to share the overwhelming agitations of the highest and greatest.

And was he then really bad, he who felt the necessity of vindicating himself before a simple girl, and to whom it appeared so intolerable to be misjudged and condemned even by her?
Besides being the emperor and a suffering man, Caracalla had also become her wooer.
It never once entered her mind to accept him; but still it flattered her extremely that the greatest of men should declare his love for her.

Why, then, need she fear him?
She was so important to him, she could do so much for him, that he would surely take care not to insult or offend her.