I can get the dowry! Let her stay here and be queen over this place if she will.

I had rather possess you than all the kingdoms!" But Laodice flung him off while a flame of anger crimsoned her face.
"Thou to insult me, thy lawful wife!" she brought out between clenched teeth.

"Thou to offer affront to thine own marriage! I to live in shame with mine own husband!" The insult in his speech overwhelmed her and after a moment's lingering for words to express her rage, she turned and fled back to her room and barred her door upon him.
After sunset the lights leaped up in the hall of Amaryllis the Greek.
Presently there came a knock at Laodice's door.

The girl, fearing that Philadelphus stood without, sat still and made no answer.

A moment later the visitor spoke.