the morning meal, a slave delivered to
her mistress a message. The Roman autocrat broke the ominous seal, and,
turning deathly pale, read out the following:

'Great is Diana of the Ephesians, whom all Asia and the
inhabited earth worshippeth.

'UNTO THE NOBLE LADY VENUSTA,

'Whereas thy slave-girl Saronia is now within the sacred
precincts of the Temple of our Lady Saviour, and claims
sanctuary, alleging that by your cruel treatment she has fled
your abode;

'And this Notice, in accordance with the Law, demands that you
appear at our Tribunal, and if by proof you show her
allegations false, she shall forthwith be handed back, you
releasing her from all punishment for thus submitting her case
to this our High and Sacred Court.

'On the other hand, if she be in the right, then she shall be
free to consecrate herself unto the service of the Ephesian
goddess, and observe the rites as practised in the Temple of
Artemis.'

For a moment Venusta was silent. What was to be done? Her Roman blood
ran riot through her veins. Recovering herself, she said to her
daughter:

'I will pursue her even to the jaws of death. Shall I thus be taunted by
a slave? No; the wife of Lucius will not submit to be taught her duty to
a hag such as she! I will reply immediately and use the law to win her
back.'

'Leave her,' said Nika. 'See, will it avail thee to have thy name
blazoned abroad among the noble ones of Ephesus? She is not worth
much--never was, and would be worthless were she back again. Let her
go!'

'No, child, my dignity is hurt. Thou knowest the high position held by
us in this city, and to remain silent, I fear, in this case is to admit
guilt. This would not do.'

'Mother dear, let me speak again, and plainly. I fear her. Should she
return, soon must thou prepare the marble urn to receive the ashes of
Nika. What could we do with her? She is far too terrible for us. If she
spake never a word, her look would kill me. Thou knowest she cannot now
be punished, for after having sought sanctuary the law provides a
shelter against torture, and think of the scandal were the case tried,
and her name in any way coupled with our beloved friend Chios. No, no;
let her go. Were it not an insult to offer thee, I would sell my jewels,
all, all I possess--everything--and pay her ransom. Say, dearest mother,
say to Nika, say for the torn fragment of peace le