refuses to share our ceremonies. He has been known to frequent the
company of men suspected of adherence to that new and atheistical creed
which denies all our gods, and terms our oracles the inspirations of
that malevolent spirit of which eastern tradition speaks. Our
oracles--alas! we know well whose inspirations they are!'

'This is what I feared,' said Arbaces, musingly, 'from various
reproaches he made me when I last saw him. Of late he hath shunned my
steps. I must find him: I must continue my lessons: I must lead him
into the adytum of Wisdom. I must teach him that there are two stages of
sanctity--the first, FAITH--the next, DELUSION; the one for the vulgar,
the second for the sage.'

'I never passed through the first, I said Calenus; 'nor you either, I
think, my Arbaces.'

'You err,' replied the Egyptian, gravely. 'I believe at this day (not
indeed that which I teach, but that which I teach not). Nature has a
sanctity against which I cannot (nor would I) steel conviction. I
believe in mine own knowledge, and that has revealed to me--but no
matter. Now to earthlier and more inviting themes. If I thus fulfilled
my object with Apaecides, what was my design for Ione? Thou knowest
already I intend her for my queen--my bride--my heart's Isis. Never
till I saw her knew I all the love of which my nature is capable.'

'I hear from a thousand lips that she is a second Helen,' said Calenus;
and he smacked his own lips, but whether at the wine or at the notion it
is not easy to decide.

'Yes, she has a beauty that Greece itself never excelled,' resumed