To do that before I die is my most ardent desire." "Then gratify it!" cried Thyone with urgent impatience; but Proclus turned to the matron, and, after exchanging a hasty glance with Althea, said: "You probably know, my venerable friend, that Queen Arsinoe, who most deeply honours your illustrious husband, had already arranged to have him summoned to the capital as priest of Alexander.

True, in this position he would have had the burden of disposing of all the revenues from the temples throughout Egypt; but, on the other hand, he would always have his master's mortal remains near and be permitted to be their guardian.

What influences baffled the Queen's wish certainly have not remained hidden from you here." "You are mistaken," replied Philippus gravely.

"Not the least whisper of this matter reached my ears, and it is fortunate." "Impossible!" Althea eagerly interrupted; "nothing else was talked of for weeks in the royal palace.

Queen Arsinoe--you might be jealous, Lady Thyone--has been fairly in love with your hero ever since her last stay in your house on her way home from Thrace, and she has not yet given up her desire to see him in the capital as priest of Alexander.