of
those grim lemures, who, above all other spots, haunted the threshold of
the homes they formerly possessed. But not for Arbaces were such
dreams.

'Rise!' said he, touching the figure with his foot; 'thou obstructest
the way!'

'Ha! who art thou cried the form, in a sharp tone, and as she raised
herself from the ground, the starlight fell full on the pale face and
fixed but sightless eyes of Nydia the Thessalian. 'Who art thou? I
know the burden of thy voice.'

'Blind girl! what dost thou here at this late hour? Fie!--is this
seeming thy sex or years? Home, girl!'

'I know thee,' said Nydia, in a low voice, 'thou art Arbaces the
Egyptian': then, as if inspired by some sudden impulse, she flung
herself at his feet, and clasping his knees, exclaimed, in a wild and
passionate tone, 'Oh dread and potent man! save him--save him! He is not
guilty--it is I! He lies within, ill-dying, and I--I am the hateful
cause! And they will not admit me to him--they spurn the blind girl
from the hall. Oh, heal him! thou knowest some herb--some spell--some
countercharm, for it is a potion that hath wrought this frenzy!

'Hush, child! I know all!--thou forgettest that I accompanied Julia to
the saga's home. Doubtless her hand administered the draught; but her
reputation demands thy silence. Reproach not thyself--what must be,
must: meanwhile, I seek the criminal--he may yet be saved. Away!'

Thus saying, Arbaces extricated himself from the clasp of the despairing
Thessalian, and knocked loudly at the door.

In a few moments the heavy bars were heard suddenly to yield, and the
porter, half opening the door, demanded who was there.

'Arbaces--important business to Sallust relative to Glaucus. I come
from the praetor.'

The porter, half yawning, half groaning, admitted the tall form of the
Egyptian. Nydia sprang forward. 'How is he?' she cried; 'tell me--tell
me!'

'Ho, mad girl! is it thou still?--for shame! Why, they say he is
sensible.'

'The gods be praised!--and you will not admit me? Ah! I beseech
thee...'

'Admit thee!--no. A pretty salute I should prepare for these shoulders
were I to admit such things as thou! Go home!'

The door closed, and Nydia, with a deep sigh, laid herself down once
more on the cold stones; and, wrapping her cloak round her face, resumed
her weary vigil.

Meanwhile Arbaces had already gained the triclinium, where Sallust, with
his favorite freedman, sat late at supper.