Nehushta wondered whether she could be induced to speak of Smerdis.

Her supposed ignorance of the true nature of what had occurred in the last few months would permit her to speak of the dead usurper with impunity.
"I suppose there have been great changes lately in the manners of the court--during this last year," suggested Nehushta carelessly.

She pulled a raisin from the dry stem, and tried to peel it with her delicate fingers.
"Indeed there have been changes," answered Atossa, calmly.

"A great many things that used to be tolerated will never be heard of now.

On the whole, the change has been rather in relation to religion than otherwise.