The innocent originator of all this complicated misery had passed many a wretched hour since the birthday banquet.

Since those harsh words with which Cambyses had sent her from the hall, not the smallest fragment of news had reached her concerning either her angry lover, or his mother and sister.

Not a day had passed since her arrival in Babylon, that had not been spent with Kassandane and Atossa; but now, on her desiring to be carried to them, that she might explain her strange conduct, her new guard, Kandaules, forbade her abruptly to leave the house.

She had thought that a free and full account of the contents of her letter from home, would clear up all these misunderstandings.

She fancied she saw Cambyses holding out his hand as if to ask forgiveness for his hastiness and foolish jealousy.