nts to marry the
singer, the daughter of the artist Leonax. You have taken her under your
protection, but surely your own niece, Iras, is dearer to you, so you
will approve of my destroying the will if Dion insists upon his own way.
He shall not have a solidus of my property if he does not give up the
woman who is a thorn in the Queen's flesh. And his choice does not suit
our ancient race. Iras, on the contrary, was Dion's playfellow, and
I have long destined her for his wife. No better match, nor one more
acceptable to the Queen, could be found for him. He cared for her until
the singer bewitched him. Bring them together, and they shall be like
my own children. If the fool resists his uncle, whose sole desire is
to benefit him, I will withdraw my aid. Whatever intrigues his foes may
weave, I shall fold my arms and not interfere. I stand in the place
of his father, my dead brother, and demand obedience. The Queen is
my universe, and her favour is of more value than twenty refractory
nephews."

"You will retain her Majesty's favour, even if you intercede for your
brother's son."

"And Iras? When she finds herself deceived--and she will soon discover
it--she will not rest--"

"Until she has brought ruin upon him," interrupted Charmian, in a
tone of sorrow rather than reproach as though she already beheld the
impending disaster. "But Iras has no greater influence with the Queen
than I, and if you and I unite to protect the brave young fellow, who is
of your own blood--"

"Then, of course--no doubt, on account of your longer period of service,
you have more influence with her Majesty than Iras--however--such
matters must be considered--and I have already said--my mind leaves its
abode to follow the Queen like her shadow. It heeds only what concerns
her. Let everything else go as it will. The fleet the same as destroyed,
Candidus defeated, Herod a deserter, treason on treason--the African
legions lost! What in the name of the god who tried to roll back the
wheel dashing down the mountain-side!--And yet! Let us offer sacrifices,
my friend, and hope for better days!"

Zeno retired as he spoke, but Charmian moved forward with a drooping
head to find Barine and her faithful Anukis, and weep her fill ere
she went to perform the duty of consoling and sustaining her beloved
mistress. Yet she herself so sorely needed comfort. Wherever she turned
her eyes she beheld disaster, peril, treachery, and base intrigues.
She felt as i