fair-haired child of his own age, the daughter of the Median king, who
had been betrothed to the boy after the Parthian war, and now remained as
a hostage at Cleopatra's court--welcomed her with joyous shouts. With
the exception of the little Median princess, Charmian had witnessed their
birth, and they all loved her dearly.

The little royal labourers showed their work with proud delight, and it
really was well done.

They had toiled at it for weeks, paying no heed to the garden and all its
costly rarities. They pointed with special pride to the two planks which
Helios, aided by Alexander, had fished out of the sea after the last
storm, when they were left alone, and to the lock on the door which they
had secretly managed to wrench from an old gate. Selene herself had
woven the curtain in front of the door. Now they were going to build a
hearth too.

Charmian praised their skill, while they--all talking merrily together--
told her how they had conquered the greatest difficulties. Their bright
eyes sparkled with pleasure while describing the work of their own hands,
and they were so absorbed in eager delight that they did not notice the
approach of a man until startled by his words: "Enough of this idle sport
now, your Highnesses. Too much time has already been wasted on it."

Then, turning to the Queen, who had accompanied him, he continued in a
tone of apology: "This amusement might seem somewhat hazardous, yet there
is much to be said in its favour. Besides, it appeared to afford the
royal children so much pleasure that I permitted it for a short time.
But if your Majesty commands: