But only for a moment; for she suddenly remembered that they would presently have to pass through the gate leading past Hadrian's western wall into the town.

If Zminis were waiting there instead of on the bridge, and were to search the vehicle, then all would be lost, for he had looked her, too, in the face with those strange, fixed eyes of his; and that where he saw the sister he would also seek the brother, seemed to her quite certain.

Thus her presence was a source of peril to Alexander, and she must at any cost avert that.
She immediately put out her hand to Diodoros, who was walking at her side, and with his help slipped down from her seat.

Then she whispered her fears to him, and begged him to quit the party and conduct her home.
This was a surprising and delightful task for her lover.

With a jesting word he leaped on to the car, and even succeeded in murmuring to Alexander, unobserved, that Melissa had placed herself under his protection.