s. As she approached his chamber she heard with astonishment two
voices in eager conversation, and discovered with still greater amazement
that their dialogue was carried on in Greek. The second speaker, moreover,
was evidently a female. A jealous pang shot through Elenko's breast; she
looked cautiously in, and discerned the same mysterious veiled woman whose
demeanour had already been an enigma to her. But the veil was thrown back,
and the countenance went far to allay Elenko's disquiet. It bore indeed
traces of past beauty, but was altogether that of one who had known better
days; worn and faded, weary and repining. Elenko's jealousy vanished,
though her surprise redoubled, when she heard Prometheus address the
stranger as "Sister."

"A pretty brother I have got," rejoined the lady, in high sharp tones: "to
leave me in want! Never once to inquire after me!"

"Nay, sister, or sister-in-law," responded Prometheus, "if it comes to
that, where were you while I was on Caucasus? The Oceanides ministered to
me, Hermes came now and then, even Hercules left a card; but I never saw
Pandora."

"How could I compromise Epimetheus, Prometheus?" demanded Pandora.
"Besides, my attendant Hope was always telling me that all would come
right, without any meddling of mine."

"Let her tell you so now," retorted Prometheus.

"Tell me now! Do you pretend not to know that the hussey forsook Olympus
ten years ago, and has turned Christian?"

"I am sure I am very sorry to hear it. Somehow, she never forsook _me_. I
can't imagine how you Gods get on without her."

"Get on! We are getting off. Except Eros and Plutus, who seem as usual, and
the old Fates, who go on spinning as if nothing had happened, none of us
expects to last for another ten years. The sacrifices have dwindled down to
nothing. Zeus has put down his eagle. Hera has eaten her peacocks. Apollo's
lyre is never heard--pawned, no doubt. Bacchus drinks water, and
Venus--well, you can imagine how she gets on without him and Ceres. And
here you are, sleek and comfortable, and never troubling yourself about
your family. But you had better, or I swear I will tell Zeus; and we shall
see whether these Christians will keep you with your ante-chamber full of
starving gods. Take a day to think of what I have been saying!"

And away she flounced, not noticing Elenko. Long and earnestly did the pair
discuss the perils that menaced them, and at the end of their deliberations
Elenko sough