n to Melissa released him of her presence
for a while.

He was not, indeed, afraid of his daughter; but she need not know that
he wanted Philip to make him acquainted with Serapion, and that through
his mediation he hoped at least to see the spirit of the wife he
mourned. When he was fairly out of the house he smiled with satisfaction
like a school-boy who had escaped his master.

CHAPTER VII.

Melissa, too, had a sense of freedom when she found herself walking by
the side of Andreas.

In the garden of Hermes, where her father's house stood, there were
few signs of the excitement with which the citizens awaited Caesar's
arrival. Most of those who were out and about were going in the opposite
direction; they meant to await the grand reception of Caracalla at the
eastern end of the city, on his way from the Kanopic Gate to the Gate
of the Sun. Still, a good many--men, women and children--were, like
themselves, walking westward, for it was known that Caesar would alight
at the Serapeum.

They had scarcely left the house when Andreas asked the girl whether
she had a kerchief or a veil in the basket the slave was carrying
behind her; and on her replying in the affirmative, he expressed
his satisfaction; for Caracalla's soldiery, in consequence of the
sovereign's weakened discipline and reckless liberality, were little
better than an unbridled rabble.

"Then let us keep out of their way," urged Melissa.

"Certainly, as much as possible," said her companion. "At any rate, let
us hurry, so as to get back to the lake before the crowd stops the way.

"You have passed an eventful and anxious night, my child, and are tired,
no doubt."

"Oh, no!" said she, calmly; "I had some wine to refresh me, and some
food with the Christians."

"Then they received you kindly?"

"The only woman there nursed Diodoros like a mother; and the men were
considerate and careful. My father does not know them; and yet--Well,
you know how much he dislikes them."

"He follows the multitude," returned Andreas, "the common herd, who hate
everything exceptional, everything that disturbs their round of life, or
startles them out of the quietude of their dull dreams. Woe to those who
call by its true name what those blind souls call pleasure and enjoyment
as serving to hasten the flight of time--not too long at the most; woe
to those who dare raise even a finger against it!"

The man's deep, subdued tones were strongly expressive of the wr