impetuously toward her, kissed her on her forehead, placed her hands on
her head as if to protect her, and turned to the artist as she continued:

"I stand by what I recommended before. This very night Melissa must get
far away from here. You, Alexander, must accompany her. My own ship,
the 'Berenike and Korinna'--Seleukus gave it to me and my daughter--is
ready to start. My sister lives in Carthage. Her husband, the first man
in the city, is my friend. You will find protection and shelter in their
house."

"And how about our father and Philip?" interrupted Alexander. "If we
follow your advice, it is certain death to them!"

The matron laughed scornfully.

"And that is what you expect from this good, this great and noble
sovereign!"

"He proves himself full of favors to his friends," answered Alexander,
"but woe betide those who offend him!"

Berenike looked thoughtfully at the ground, and added, more quietly:

"Then try first to release your people, and afterward embark on my
ship. It shall be ready for you. Melissa will use it, I know.--My veil,
child! The chariot waits for me at the Temple of Isis.--You will
accompany me there, Alexander, and we will drive to the harbor. There I
will introduce you to the captain. It will be wise. Your father and
brother are dearer to you than your sister; she is more important to me.
If only I could go away myself--away from here, from the desolate house,