What an exquisite masterpiece of the loom it must be! All the dangers against which she must defend herself flashed swiftly through Barine's mind; yet, for an instant, she felt the foolish feminine desire to see and handle the costly mantle.
But Iras had already laid it on the arm of one of the waiting maids, and Cleopatra now glanced around her, and with a youthful, elastic step approached the throne.
Once more the feeling of timidity which she had had in her girlhood overpowered Barine, but with it came the memory of the garden of Epicurus, and Archibius's assurance that she, too, would have left the Queen with her heart overflowing with warm enthusiasm had not a disturbing influence interposed between them.
Yet, had this disturbing influence really existed?
No.

It was created solely by Cleopatra's jealous imagination.

If she would only permit her to speak freely now, she should hear that Antony cared as little for her as she, Barine, for the boy Caesarion.

What prevented her from confessing that her heart was another's?
Iras had no one to blame save herself if she spoke the truth pitilessly in her presence.
Cleopatra now turned to the "introducer," waving her hand towards the throne and those who surrounded it.
Ay, she was indeed beautiful.

How bright and clear was the light of her large eyes, in spite of the harassing days through which she had passed and the present night of watching! Cleopatra's heart was still elated by the reception of her bold idea of escape, and she approached Barine with gentler feelings and intentions.
She had chosen a pleasanter room for the interview than the one Iras had selected.