But why think you I am to be great ?" "I know the mysteries of fate," she answered, quickly, and with a little resentment of his coldness.

"But there is one thing in your way." "And what ?" "Your work is to be in Judea, and you love, or think you love, a Roman maiden." "I know that I love her," said he, quickly.
"But love is a great deceiver.

You shall not take her for your wife." "Why ?" he demanded, turning and looking into the face of Salome.
Her dark eyes were now gazing into his, her hand softly stroking his bare arm.
"Because," she whispered, and now he could feel the motion of her shapely red lips upon his ear, "here, in Judea, you shall find one who loves you with a greater love." His pulses were quick with passion.

He rose, turning from the daughter of Herod.

To his amazement the others had all departed.