short time to gaze at the sleeper, and then requested the deaconess to
find a room for the two damsels, who needed rest.

The worthy woman rose at once; but Melissa urgently entreated to be
allowed to remain by her lover's side, and glanced anxiously at the keys
in the matron's hand.

At this Andreas whispered to her: "You are afraid lest I should prevent
your coming with us? But it is not so; and, indeed, of what use would it
be? You made your way past the guards to the senator's coach; you came
across the lake, and through the darkness and the drunken rabble in the
streets; if I were to lock you in, you would be brave enough to jump out
of the window. No, no; I confess you have conquered my objections--
indeed, if you should now refuse your assistance, I should be obliged to
crave it. But Ptolemaeus wishes to leave Diodoros quite undisturbed till
daybreak. He is now gone to the Serapeum to find a good place for him.
You, too, need rest, and you shall be waked in good time. Go, now, with
Dame Katharine.--As to your relations," he added, to Agatha, "do not be
uneasy. A boy is already on his way to your father, to tell him where
you are for the night."

The deaconess led the two girls to a room where there was a large double
bed. Here the new friends stretched their weary limbs; but, tired as
they were, neither of them seemed disposed to sleep; they were so happy
to have found each other, and had so much to ask and tell each other! As
soon as Katharine had lighted a three-branched lamp she left them to
themselves, and then their talk began.

Agatha, clinging to her new friend, laid her head on Melissa's shoulder;
and as Melissa looked on the beautiful face, and remembered the fond