impelled by a sentiment stronger
than her will, she approached him with flashing eyes and with
outstretched hands.

"Did you really love her?" she asked bitterly.

"Yes," he replied, faintly, as if ashamed of the confession. "I know now
that I loved her----but I love you also."

They stood motionless, their eyes fixed upon the body which lay between
them. It was like a cold intervening wall, suddenly risen and separating
them forever.

Actaeon was shamed by the grief which his words caused her who had so
loved him. Sonnica seemed stunned by his immense deception, and she
gazed frigidly at the body of the slave with the eyes of an implacable
Nemesis.

"Go, Actaeon!" she said. "They are waiting for you in the Forum. The
Elders are calling for you to serve as interpreter for the messenger
from Hannibal."

The Athenian advanced a few steps, and then stopped, gently imploring
mercy for the body.

"It will be deserted. Night is coming on, and----the hungry dogs----the
soulless men who look for corpses----"

He chilled with horror to think that the beautiful body which had
thrilled him with admiration might be devoured by the beasts.

Sonnica replied with a gesture. He might go. She would stay on guard,
and, mastered by her chill hauteur, he turned and hastened toward the
Forum.

As he reached the quadrangle it was growing dark. In the centre burned
the great fire which was lighted every night to combat the mortal
springtime chill.

The Elders brought their ivory chairs to the foot of the temple steps to
receive Hannibal's messenger in the presence of the populace. The news
had circulated throughout the city, and the people flocked to the Forum,
eager to hear the propositions of the besieger. New groups poured in
each moment along the streets leading to the great square where the
waning life of the city was concentrated.

Actaeon placed himself near the Elders. He glanced around for Alcon, but
failed to see him. The aged senator was still in the hostile camp, and
the coming of this emissary must be in consequence of his interview with
Hannibal.

A senator explained the circumstances. An unarmed enemy had presented
himself before the walls, waving an olive branch. He asked to speak to
the Senate in the name of the besiegers, and the assembly of Elders
thought it wise to summon the whole city to participate in this supreme
deliberation.

Orders to admit the messenger had been given, and soon an armed group
w