n, on the contrary,
declares that his visits annoyed and even alarmed Barine. Nothing except
a rigid investigation can throw light upon this subject. We will await
the Imperator's return. Do you think that he will again seek the singer?
You are his most trusted confidant. If you desire his best good, and
care for my favour, drop your hesitation and answer this question."

The Syrian assumed the manner of a man who had reached a decision,
and answered firmly: "Certainly he will, unless you prevent him. The
simplest way would be--"

"Well?"

"To inform him, as soon as he lands, that she is no longer to be found.
I should be especially happy to receive this commission from my royal
sun."

"And do you think it would dim the light of your moon a little, were he
to seek her here in vain?"

"As surely as that the contrary would be the case if he were always as
gratefully aware of the peerless brilliancy of his sun as it deserves.
Helios suffers no other orb to appear so long as he adorns the heavens.
His lustre quenches all the rest. Let my sun so decree, and Barine's
little star will vanish."

"Enough! I know your aim now. But a human life is no small thing, and
this woman, too, is the child of a mother. We must consider, earnestly
consider, whether our purpose cannot be gained without proceeding
to extremes. This must be done with zeal and a kindly intention--But
I--Now, when the fate of this country, my own, and the children's is
hanging in the balance, when I have not fifteen minutes at my command,
and there is no end of writing and consulting, I can waste no time on
such matters."

"The reflective mind must be permitted to use its mighty wings
unimpeded," cried the Syrian eagerly. "Leave the settlement of minor
matters to trustworthy friends."

Here they were interrupted by the "introducer," who announced the
eunuch Mardion. He had come on business which, spite of the late hour,
permitted no delay.

Alexas accompanied the Queen to the tablinum, where they found the
eunuch. A slave attended him, carrying a pouch filled with letters which
had just been brought by two messengers from Syria. Among them were some
which must be answered without delay. The Keeper of the Seal and the
Exegetus were also waiting. Their late visit was due to the necessity of
holding a conference in relation to the measures to be adopted to calm
the excited citizens. All the galleys which had escaped from the battle
had entered the harbo