She had learned that she would be shut out of her apartments, and therefore from Barine also.

Ere any step could be taken against the prisoner, she must first arrange the necessary preliminaries with Alexas.

The failure of her expectation of seeing her rival trampled in the dust had transformed her jealous resentment into hatred, and though she was her niece, she even transferred a portion of it to Charmian, who had placed herself between her and her victim.
She had sent for the Syrian, but he, too, had gone to rest at a late hour and kept her waiting a long time.

The reception which the impatient girl bestowed was therefore by no means cordial, but her manner soon grew more friendly.
First Alexas boasted of having induced the Queen to commit Barine's fate to him.

If he should try her at noon and find her guilty, there was nothing to prevent him from compelling her to drink the poisoned cup or having her strangled before evening.