similar works oftener than
he cared for, in Upper Egypt. He found these pictures monotonous and
unlovely, and he had not the patience to investigate their meaning as his
master did. He had been a hundred times into the ancient rock-tombs, only
not to leave Hadrian and not for his own amusement; but to-day--he could
hardly bear himself for impatience and excitement, for he knew that a
ride, a walk, of a few hours, would carry him to Besa and to Selene. The
Emperor would remain absent three or four hours at any rate, and if he
made up his mind to it he could have sought out the girl for whom his
heart was longing before his return, and still be back again before his
master.

But before acting he must reflect. There was the Emperor climbing the
hill-side where he could see him, and messengers were expected and he had
been charged to receive them. It they should bring bad news, his master
must on no account be alone. Ten times did he go up to his good hunter to
leap upon his back; once he even took down the horse's head-gear to put
on his bridle, but in the very act of slipping the complicated bit
between the teeth of his steed his resolution gave way. During all this
delay and hesitation the minutes slipped away, and at last it was so late
that Hadrian might return and it was folly to think of carrying his plan
into execution. The expected express arrived with several letters, but
the Emperor did not come back. It grew dark, and heavy rain-drops fell
from the overcast sky, and still Antinous was alone. His anxious longing
was mingled with regret for the lost opportunity of seeing Selene and
alarm at the Emperor's prolonged absence.

In spite of the rain, which began to fill more violently, he went out
into the open air, of which the sweltering oppressiveness had helped to
fetter his feeble volition, and called to the dogs, with whose help he
proposed seeking the Emperor; but just then he heard the bark of Argus,
and soon after Hadrian and Mastor stepped out of the darkness into the
brightness which shone out from the tent, where lights were burning.

The Emperor gave his favorite but a brief greeting and silently submitted
while Antinous dried his hair and brought him some refreshments, and
Mastor bathed his feet and dressed him in fresh garments. As he reclined
with the Bithyman, before the supper which was standing ready, he said:

"A strange evening! how hot and oppressive the atmosphere is. We must be
on the lookou