you have more influence with her Majesty than Iras--however--such matters
must be considered--and I have already said--my mind leaves its abode to
follow the Queen like her shadow. It heeds only what concerns her. Let
everything else go as it will. The fleet the same as destroyed, Candidus
defeated, Herod a deserter, treason on treason--the African legions lost!
What in the name of the god who tried to roll back the wheel dashing down
the mountain-side!--And yet! Let us offer sacrifices, my friend, and
hope for better days!"

Zeno retired as he spoke, but Charmian moved forward with a drooping head
to find Barine and her faithful Anukis, and weep her fill ere she went to
perform the duty of consoling and sustaining her beloved mistress. Yet
she herself so sorely needed comfort. Wherever she turned her eyes she
beheld disaster, peril, treachery, and base intrigues. She felt as if
she had lived long enough, and that her day was over. Hitherto her
gentle nature, her intellect, which yearned to expand, gather new riches,
and exchange what it had gained with others, had possessed much to offer
to the Queen. She had not only been Cleopatra's confidante, but
necessary to her to discuss questions far in advance of the demands of
the times, which occupied her restless mind. Now the Queen's attention
was wholly absorbed by events--hard, cruel facts--which she must resist
or turn to her own advantage. Her life had become a conflict, and
Charmian felt that she was by no means combative. The hard, supple,
keenly polished intellect of Iras now asserted its value, and the elderly
woman told herself that she was in danger of being held in less regard
than her younger companion. To resign her office would have given her
peace of mind, but she repelled the thought. For the very reason that
these days were so full of misery and perhaps drawing nearer to the end,
she must remain, first for the sake of the Queen, but also to watch over
Barine.