This modest child, who till quite lately had trembled before her own father's temper, now, in the consciousness of Caesar's favor, felt herself strong to triumph over the wrath and passions of the most powerful and most terrible of men.

In the mean time she dared not risk confessing to him that she was another's bride, for that might determine him to let Diodoros feel his power.

The thought that the emperor could care about her good opinion greatly pleased her; it even had the effect of raising the hope in her inexperienced mind that Caracalla would moderate his passion for her sake--when old Adventus came into the room.
He was in a hurry; for preparations had to be made in the dining-hall for the reception of the ambassadors.

But when at his appearance Melissa rose from the divan he begged her good-naturedly to continue resting.
No one could tell what humor Caracalla might be in when he returned.

She had often seen how rapidly that chameleon could change color.