trust a girl. His far-famed letters sufficiently proved that the witty
philosopher had been a devoted and successful courtier of women. But
that was all a thing of the past. He still, no doubt, did homage to
female beauty, but he led a regular life, and had become one of the most
ardent and earnest upholders of religion and virtue. He was one of the
learned circle which gathered round Julia Domna, and it was by her desire
that he had accompanied Caracalla, to keep his mad passions in check when
it might be possible.

The conversation between Melissa and the philosopher had meanwhile taken
an unexpected turn. At his very first address the reply had died on her
lips, for in Caesar's representative she had recognized the Roman whom
she had seen in the Temple of Asklepios, and who had perhaps overheard
her there. Philostratus, too, seemed to remember the meeting; for his
shrewd face--a pleasing mixture of grave and gay--lighted up at once with
a subtle smile as he said:

"If I am not mistaken, I owe the same pleasure this evening to divine
Caesar as to great Asklepios this morning?"

At this, Melissa cast a meaning glance at Coeranus and the lady, and,
although surprise and alarm sealed her lips, her uplifted hands and whole
gesture sufficiently expressed her entreaty that he would not betray her.
He understood and obeyed. It pleased him to share a secret with this
fair child. He had, in fact, overheard her, and understood with
amazement that she was praying fervently for Caesar.

This stirred his curiosity to the highest pitch. So he said, in an
undertone: