betrothed alone, and since all the world knows of Caracalla's intentions,
and gazes curiously after you, your visit would instantly be reported to
Caesar. Nor is it advisable for you to present yourself before your
offended lover, when you have neither Andreas nor any one else to speak
for you and take your part."

Melissa burst into tears, but the matron drew her to her and continued
tenderly:

"You must give that up--but, Alexander, do you go to your friend, and be
your sister's mouthpiece!"

The artist consented with all the ardor of brotherly affection, and
having received from Melissa, whose courage began to rise again, strict
injunctions as to what he was to say to her lover, he departed on his
errand.

Wholly absorbed by the stormy emotions of her heart, the maiden had
forgotten time and every external consideration; but the lady Euryale was
thoughtful for her, and now led her to her chamber to have her hair
dressed for the Circus. The matron carefully avoided, for the present,
all mention of her young friend's flight, though her mind was constantly
occupied with it--and not in vain.

The skillful waiting-woman, whom she had bought from the house of the
priest of Alexander, who was a Roman knight, loosened the girl's abundant
brown hair, and, with loud cries of admiration, declared it would be easy
to dress such locks in the most approved style of fashion. She then laid
the curling-irons on the dish of coals which stood on a slender tripod,
and was about to twist it into ringlets; but Melissa, who had never