hildren. If the fool
resists his uncle, whose sole desire is to benefit him, I will withdraw
my aid. Whatever intrigues his foes may weave, I shall fold my arms and
not interfere. I stand in the place of his father, my dead brother, and
demand obedience. The Queen is my universe, and her favour is of more
value than twenty refractory nephews."

"You will retain her Majesty's favour, even if you intercede for your
brother's son."

"And Iras? When she finds herself deceived--and she will soon discover
it--she will not rest--"

"Until she has brought ruin upon him," interrupted Charmian, in a tone of
sorrow rather than reproach as though she already beheld the impending
disaster. "But Iras has no greater influence with the Queen than I, and
if you and I unite to protect the brave young fellow, who is of your own
blood--"

"Then, of course--no doubt, on account of your longer period of service,
you have more influence with her Majesty than Iras--however--such matters
must be considered--and I have already said--my mind leaves its abode to
follow the Queen like her shadow. It heeds only what concerns her. Let
everything else go as it will. The fleet the same as destroyed, Candidus
defeated, Herod a deserter, treason on treason--the African legions lost!
What in the name of the god who tried to roll back the wheel dashing down
the mountain-side!--And yet! Let us offer sacrifices, my friend, and hope
for better days!"

Zeno retired as he spoke, but Charmian moved forward with a drooping head
to find Barine and her faithful Anukis, and weep her fill ere she went to
perform the duty of consoling and sustaining her beloved mistress. Yet
she herself so sorely needed comfort. Wherever she turned her eyes she
beheld disaster, peril, treachery, and base intrigues. She felt as if she
had lived long enough, and that her day was over. Hitherto her gentle
nature, her intellect, which yearned to expand, gather new riches, and
exchange what it had gained with others, had possessed much to offer to
the Queen. She had not only been Cleopatra's confidante, but necessary to
her to discuss questions far in advance of the demands of the times,
which occupied her restless mind. Now the Queen's attention was wholly
absorbed by events--hard, cruel facts--which she must resist or turn to
her own advantage. Her life had become a conflict, and Charmian felt that
she was by no means combative. The hard, supple, keenly polished
intellect of Iras n