I thought you might like to know he was safe," replied the queen, gently pressing her arm about Nehushta's slender waist.
"Wrote to you ?" repeated the princess, in angry surprise.
"Yes, dearest," answered the queen, looking down in well-feigned embarrassment.

"I would not have told you, only I thought you would wish to hear of him.

If you like, I will read you a part of what he says," she added, producing from her bosom the little piece of parchment carefully rolled together.
It was more than Nehushta could bear.

Her olive skin turned suddenly pale, and she tore herself away from the queen.
"Oh no! no! I will not hear it! Leave me in peace--for your gods' sake, leave me in peace!" Atossa drew herself up and stared coldly at Nehushta, as though she were surprised beyond measure and deeply offended.
"Truly, I need not be told twice to leave you in peace," she said proudly.

"I thought to comfort you, because I saw you were sad--even at the expense of my own feelings.