They were for the most part elderly men, and Melissa recognized among them Seleukus, Berenike's husband.
Melissa bowed to him, but he did not notice her, and passed by without a word.

Perhaps he was considering the enormous sum to be expended on the show at night which he, with a few friends, intended to arrange at the circus in Caesar's honor.
All was quite still in the large hall which separated the emperor's reception-room from the anteroom.

Melissa observed only two soldiers, who were looking out of window, and whose bodies were shaking as though they were convulsed with profound merriment.
It happened that she had to wait here some time; for the usher begged her to have patience until the merchants' audience was over.

They were the last who would be received that day.

He invited her to rest on the couch on which was spread a bright giraffe's skin, but she preferred to walk up and down, for her heart was beating violently.