All in all, Barine was a charming creature, who bewitched men by her vivacity, her grace, and her exquisite voice, not by coquetry and pertness.

That she possessed unusual mental endowments Cleopatra did not believe.

Barine had only one advantage over her--youth.
Time had not yet robbed the former of a single charm, while from the Queen he had wrested many; their number was known only to herself and her confidantes, but at this hour she did not miss them.
Barine, with a low, modest bow, advanced towards the Queen, who commenced the conversation by graciously apologizing for the late hour at which she had summoned her.

"But," she added, "you belong to the ranks of the nightingales, who during the night most readily and exquisitely reveal to us what stirs their hearts--" Barine gazed silently at the floor a moment, and when she raised her eyes her voice was faint and timid.

"I sing, it is true, your Majesty, but I have nothing else in common with the birds.