"What Roxana's soul affirms by those rosy lips I can not but believe." Then again he paused, studying Alexander with a searching eye, and added: "You think me strong; but you will change that opinion--which I value--if I forgive you like a poor-spirited girl.

You are in my power.
You risked your life.

If I give it you, I must have a gift in return, that I may not be cheated." "Set my father free, and he will do whatever you may require of him," Melissa broke out.

But Caracalla stopped her, saying: "No one makes conditions with Caesar.

Stand back, girl." Melissa hung her head and obeyed; but she stood watching the eager discussion between these two dissimilar men, at first with anxiety and then with surprise.
Alexander seemed to resist Caesar's demands; but presently the despot must have proposed something which pleased the artist, for Melissa heard the low, musical laugh which had often cheered her in moments of sadness.