But while she lay on the pillows, wretched and heart-sick, the voice of Agias was heard without, bidding the maids admit him to their mistress.
"Stay outside.

I can't see you now," moaned poor Cornelia, feeling that for once the sight of the good-humoured, vivacious slave-boy would be maddening.

But Agias thrust back the curtains and boldly entered.

What he said will be told in its due time and place; but the moment he had gone Cornelia was calling in Cassandra, and ordering the maids to dress her with all possible speed for the dinner-party.
"I must be all smiles, all enchantments," she was saying to herself.
"I must dissemble.

I must win confidences.