CHAPTER IV: MIRIAM.
One morning in the same week, Hypatia's favourite maid entered her chamber with a somewhat terrified face.
'The old Jewess, madam--the hag who has been watching so often lately under the wall opposite.

She frightened us all out of our senses last evening by peeping in.

We all said she had the evil eye, if any one ever had--' 'Well, what of her ?' 'She is below, madam, and will speak with you.

Not that I care for her; I have my amulet on.

I hope you have ?' 'Silly girl! Those who have been initiated as I have in the mysteries of the gods, can defy spirits and command them.