At his very first address the reply had died on her lips, for in Caesar's representative she had recognized the Roman whom she had seen in the Temple of Asklepios, and who had perhaps overheard her there.

Philostratus, too, seemed to remember the meeting; for his shrewd face--a pleasing mixture of grave and gay--lighted up at once with a subtle smile as he said: "If I am not mistaken, I owe the same pleasure this evening to divine Caesar as to great Asklepios this morning ?" At this, Melissa cast a meaning glance at Coeranus and the lady, and, although surprise and alarm sealed her lips, her uplifted hands and whole gesture sufficiently expressed her entreaty that he would not betray her.

He understood and obeyed.

It pleased him to share a secret with this fair child.

He had, in fact, overheard her, and understood with amazement that she was praying fervently for Caesar.
This stirred his curiosity to the highest pitch.