the utmost diligence; but when, at the end of four
years, he could write on the last leaf of the roll. 'Here this book hath
a happy ending,' the young man whose studies it was intended to guide
came home to Cyrene, a finished scholar."

"And we have struck up a friendship...?"

"And made a treaty of alliance, only to be parted ere long."

Philippus struck his fist vehemently on the little table in front of his
couch and exclaimed: "That I will find means to prevent!--But now, tell
me in confidence, what has last happened between you and the family
down-stairs?"

"You will know quite soon enough."

"Whichever of them fancies that you can be turned out of doors
without more ado and there will be an end between us, may find himself
mistaken!" cried the physician with an angry sparkle in his eyes. "I
have a right to put in a word in this house. It has not nearly come to
that yet, and what is more, it never shall. You shall quit it certainly;
but of your own free will, and holding your head high...."

As he spoke the door of the outer room was hastily opened and the next
instant Orion was standing before them, looking with great surprise at
the pair who had just finished their meal. He said coldly:

"I am disturbing you, I see."

"Not in the least," replied the leech; and the young man, perceiving
what bad taste it would be and how much out of place to give expression
to his jealous annoyance, said, with a smile: "If only it had been
granted to a third person to join in this symposium!"

"We found each other all-sufficient company," answered Philippus.

"A man who could believe in all the doctrines of the Church as readily
as in that statement would be assured of salvation," laughed Orion. "I
am no spoilsport, respected friends; but I deeply regret that I must,
on the present occasion, disturb your happiness. The matter in
question...." And he felt he might now abandon the jesting tone which so
little answered to his mood, "is a serious one. In the first instance it
concerns your freedman, my fair foe."

"Has Hiram come back?" asked Paula, feeling herself turn pale.

"They have brought him in," replied Orion. "My father at once summoned
the court of judges. Justice has a swift foot here with us; I am sorry
for the man, but I cannot prevent its taking its course. I must beg of
you to appear at the examination when you are called."

"The whole truth shall be told!" said Paula sternly and firmly.

"Of course," r