"We shall soon be there, dear lady," replied the Prince. "Come, worthy
Seneschal," he added, turning to that functionary, "drink to this noble
lady's happy meeting with her friends."



CHAPTER 18


Three or four days passed away at the castle of Justinian, in which
Nicaeus used his utmost exertions to divert the anxiety of Iduna. One
day was spent in examining the castle, on another he amused her with a
hawking party, on a third he carried her to the neighbouring ruins of a
temple, and read his favourite AEschylus to her amid its lone and
elegant columns. It was impossible for any one to be more amiable and
entertaining, and Iduna could not resist recognising his many virtues
and accomplishments. The courier had not yet returned from Croia,
which Nicaeus accounted for by many satisfactory reasons. The suspense,
however, at length became so painful to Iduna, that she proposed to the
Prince of Athens that they should, without further delay, proceed to
that city. As usual, Nicaeus was not wanting in many plausible
arguments in favour of their remaining at the castle, but Iduna was
resolute.

"Indeed, dear Nicaeus," she said, "my anxiety to see my father, or hear
from him, is so great, that there is scarcely any danger which I would
not encounter to gratify my wish. I feel that I have already taxed
your endurance too much. But we are no longer in a hostile land, and
guards and guides are to be engaged. Let me then depart alone!"