aterial and perfect
fit. The thick, fair braids, wound simply around her shapely head, gave
her an appearance of almost childish youth, and the sight made Iras feel
as if she, and Cleopatra also, were outwitted.

In the dimly lighted atrium of the house near the Paneum garden, she had
noticed only that Barine wore something white. Had it been merely a night
robe, so much the better. But she might have appeared in her present garb
at the festival of Isis. The most careful deliberation could have
selected nothing more suitable or becoming. And did this vain woman go to
rest with costly gold ornaments? Else how did the circlet chance to be on
her arm? Each of Cleopatra's charms seemed to Iras, who knew them all,
like a valuable possession of her own. To see even the least of them
surpassed by another vexed her; and to behold in yonder woman a form
which she could not deny was no less beautiful, enraged, nay, pierced her
to the heart.

Since she had known that because of Barine she could hope for nothing
more from the man to whose love she believed she possessed a claim dating
from their childhood, she had hated the young beauty. And now to the many
things which contributed to increase her hostile mood, was added the
disagreeable consciousness that during the last few hours she had treated
her contemptibly. Had she only seen earlier what her foe's cloak
concealed, she would have found means to give her a different appearance.
But she must remain as she was; for Chairman had already entered. Other
hours, however, would follow, and if the next did not decide the fate of
the woman whom she hated, future ones should.

For this purpose she did not need the aid of Charmian, her uncle
Archibius's sister, who had hitherto been a beloved associate and
maternal friend. But what had happened? Iras fancied that her pleasant
features wore a repellent expression which she had never seen before. Was
this also the singer's fault? And what was the cause?

The older woman's manner decided the question whether she should still
bestow upon her returned relative the love of a grateful niece. No, she
would no longer put any restraint upon herself. Charmian should feel that
she (Iras) considered any favour shown to her foe an insult. To work
against her secretly was not in her nature. She had courage to show an
enemy her aversion, and she did not fear Charmian enough to pursue a
different course. She knew that the artist Leonax, Barine's fathe