wn some
uneven steps, and through a small door, and there found themselves in
the long, narrow room, with its bays along the southern side, and one
splendid mullioned casement at the end with coats-of-arms emblazoned
upon each division. And through this, which looked west, there poured
the lowered afternoon sun with a broad shaft of glorious light.

The place was almost empty, but for a chest or two and a table near this
window with writing materials and books. And upon a rough set of shelves
close at hand many more volumes reposed.

"So it is here you live and work, you wise, lonely, little Pallas
Athene," he said.

"You must not call me that--I am not at all like her," Halcyone answered
softly. "She was very clever and very noble--but a little hard, I think.
Wait until I have shown you my own goddess. I would rather have her soul
than any other of the Olympian gods."

John Derringham took a step nearer to her.

"Do you remember the night at dinner here when you told me Pallas
Athene's words to Perseus?" he said. "I have thought of them often, and
they have helped me sometimes, I think."

"I am so glad," said Halcyone simply, while she moved towards her
treasure chest.

He watched her with satisfied eyes--every action of hers was full of
grace, and the interest he felt in her personally obscured any for the
moment in what she was going to show him, but at last he became aware
that she had unlocked a cupboard drawer, and was taking from it a bundle
of blue silk.

His curiosity was aroused, and he went over as near as he could.

"Come!" whispered Halcyone, and walked to the high window-sill of the
middle section, and then put down her burden upon the old faded velvet
seat.

"See, I will take off her veil gradually," she said, "and you must tell
me of what she makes you think."

John Derringham was growing interested by now, but had no idea in the
world of the marvel he was going to see. He started more perceptibly
than even Mr. Carlyon had done seven years before, when he had realized
the superlative beauty of the Greek head.

Halcyone uncovered it reverently, and then took a step back, and waited
silently for him to speak.

He looked long into the marvelous face, and then he said as though he
were dreaming:

"Aphrodite herself!"

"Ah! I felt you would know and recognize her at once--Yes, that is her
name. Oh, I am glad!" and Halcyone clapped her hands. "She is my mother,
and so, you see, I am never