“Which surround the Queen,” replied the Syrian with an obsequious bow.  “There you behold the fact.  It is an impossibility to separate the woman from the princess.  So far as I am concerned, I do not wish to anger the former against the presumptuous adorer, and I desire to yield to the latter the obedience which is her due.  Therefore I entreat you to forget the armlet and its many painful associations, and pass to the consideration of other matters.  Perhaps the fair Barine will voluntarily confess everything, and even add how she managed to ensnare the amiable son of the greatest of men, and the most admirable of mothers, the young King Caesarion.”

Cleopatra’s eyes flashed more brightly, and she angrily exclaimed:  “I found the boy just now as though he were possessed by demons.  He was ready to tear the bandage from his wound, if he were refused the woman whom he loved.  A magic potion was the first thought, and his tutor of course attributes everything to magic arts.  Charmian, on the contrary, declares that his visits annoyed and even alarmed Barine.  Nothing except a rigid investigation can throw light upon this subject.  We will await the Imperator’s return.  Do you think that he will again seek the singer?  You are his most trusted confidant.  If you desire his best good, and care for my favour, drop your hesitation and answer this question.”

The Syrian assumed the manner of a man who had reached a decision, and answered firmly:  “Certainly he will, unless you prevent him.  The simplest way would be—­”

“Well?”

“To inform him, as soon as he lands, that she is no longer to be found.  I should be especially happy to receive this commission from my royal sun.”

“And do you think it would dim the light of your moon a little, were he to seek her here in vain?”

“As surely as that the contrary would be the case if he were always as gratefully aware of the peerless brilliancy of his sun as it deserves.  Helios suffers no other orb to appear so long as he adorns the heavens.  His lustre quenches all the rest.  Let my sun so decree, and Barine’s little star will vanish.”

“Enough!  I know your aim now.  But a human life is no small thing, and this woman, too, is the child of a mother.  We must consider, earnestly consider, whether our purpose cannot be gained without proceeding to extremes.  This must be done with zeal and a kindly intention—­But I—­Now, when the fate of this country, my own, and the children’s is hanging in the balance, when I have not fifteen minutes at my command, and there is no end of writing and consulting, I can waste no time on such matters.”

“The reflective mind must be permitted to use its mighty wings unimpeded,” cried the Syrian eagerly.  “Leave the settlement of minor matters to trustworthy friends.”

Here they were interrupted by the “introducer,” who announced the eunuch Mardion.  He had come on business which, spite of the late hour, permitted no delay.