ient enough. Hark! I would read you a lesson. As the wise
King Solomon said, 'Everything has its place and time.' It is good to
repent you of your sins and to think about your soul, but I pray you do
so no more at my feasts, especially when they are given in your honour.
Last night you sat at the board like a mummy at an Egyptian banquet. Had
your skull stood on it, filled with wine, it could scarce have looked
grimmer than did your face. Be more cheerful, I pray you, or I will have
you tonsured and promoted to be a bishop, like that old heretic Barnabas
of whom you are so fond. Ah! you smile at last, and I am glad to see it.
Now hearken again. This afternoon there comes to the palace a certain
old Egyptian named Magas, whom I place in your especial charge, and with
him his wife--at least, I think she is his wife."

"Nay, Mistress, his daughter," interrupted Martina.

"Oh! his daughter," said the Augusta suspiciously. "I did not know she
was his daughter. What is she like, Martina?"

"I have not seen her, Empress, but someone said that she is a
black-looking woman, such as the Nile breeds."

"Is it so? Then I charge you, Olaf, keep her far from me, for I love not
these ugly black women, whose woolly hair always smells of grease. Yes,
I give you leave to court her, if you will, since thereby you may learn
some secrets," and she laughed merrily.

I bowed, saying that I would obey the Augusta's orders to the best of my
power, and she went on:

"Olaf, I would discover the truth concerning this Magas and his schemes,
which as a soldier you are well fitted to find out. It seems he has a
plan for the recovery of Egypt out of the hands of the followers of that
accursed false prophet whose soul dwells with Satan. Now, I would win
back Egypt, if I may, and thereby add glory to my name and the Empire.
Hear all that he proposes, study it well, and make report to me.
Afterwards I will see him alone, who for the present will send him a
letter by the hand of Martina here bidding him open all his heart to
you. For a week or more I shall have no time to spend upon this Magas,
who must give myself to business upon which hangs my power and perchance
my life."

These words she spoke heavily, then fell into a fit of brooding. Rousing
herself, she went on:

"Did you note yesterday, Olaf, if you had any mind left for the things
of earth, that as I drove in state through the streets many met me with
sullen silence, while others cursed