She laughed lightly as she spoke: "I came down the stairs this morning----" "To see the most beautiful woman in the world," interrupted Darius, raising his voice.

"You have seen her.

I am glad of it.

Why did you bolt the door of the passage ?" "Because I thought it unfitting that the passage to the women's apartments should be left open when so many in the palace know the way," she answered readily enough.
"Where were you taking this letter when you left it at the door ?" asked the king, beginning to doubt whether there were anything wrong at all.
"I was about to send it to Ecbatana," answered Atossa with perfect simplicity.
"Who is this Phraortes ?" "He is the governor of the lands my father gave me for my own in Media.
I wrote him to tell him of the Great King's victory, and that he should send me information concerning my affairs, and do nothing further until he hears from me." "Why not ?" "Because I thought it possible that the Great King would spend the summer in Ecbatana, and that I should therefore be there myself to give my own directions.

I forgot the letter because I had to take both hands to draw the bolt, and I was coming back to get it.