ght the Queen's presence at once--if necessary, forced his way to
it; but the historian Timagenes, who had just come from Rome, was
expecting him, and he had not returned to his birthplace as a private
citizen, but commissioned by Octavianus to act as mediator in putting an
end to the struggle which had really been decided in his favour at the
battle of Actium. The choice of this mediator was a happy one; for he had
taught Cleopatra in her childhood, and was the self-same quick-witted man
who had so often roused her to argument. His share in a popular
insurrection against the Roman rule had led to his being carried as a
slave to the Tiber. There he soon purchased his freedom, and attained
such distinction that Octavianus entrusted this important mission to the
man who was so well known in Alexandria. Archibius was to meet him at the
house of Arius, who was still suffering from the wounds inflicted by the
chariot-wheels of Antyllus, and Berenike had accompanied Timagenes to her
brother.

Charmian did not venture to go there; a visit to Octavianus's former
teacher would have been misinterpreted, and it was repugnant to her own
delicacy of feeling to hold intercourse at this time with the foe and
conqueror of her royal mistress. She therefore let her brother drive with
Berenike to the injured man's; but before his departure Archibius had
promised, if the worst came, to dare everything to open the eyes of the
Queen, who had forbidden her, Charmian, to speak in behalf of Barine and
thwart the plans of Alexas.

From the Paneum garden she was carried to the Kanopic Way and the Jewish
quarter, where she had many important purchases to make for Cleopatra. It
was long after noon when the litter was again borne to Lochias.

On the way she had severely felt her own powerlessness. Without having
accomplished anything herself, she was forced to wait for the success of
others; and she had scarcely crossed the threshold of the palace ere
fresh cares were added to those which already burdened her soul.

She understood how to read the faces of courtiers, and the door-keeper's
had taught her that since her departure something momentous had occurred.
She disliked to question the slaves and lower officials, so she
refrained, though the interior of the palace was crowded with guards,
officials of every grade, attendants, and slaves. Many who saw her gazed
at her with the timidity inspired by those over whom some disaster is im
pending. Ot