to obey you; but let me
hear! Teach me what you know, that I may compare it with what I
know.... If indeed' (and he shuddered as he spoke the words) 'I do know
anything!'

'Have you forgotten the epithets which you used to me just now?'

'No, no! But do you forget them; they were put into my mouth. I--I did
not believe them when I said them. It was agony to me; but I did it, as
I thought, for your sake--to save you. Oh, say that I may come and hear
you again! Only from a distance--in the very farthest corner of your
lecture-room. I will be silent; you shall never see me. But your words
yesterday awoke in me--no, not doubts; but still I must, I must hear
more, or be as miserable and homeless inwardly as I am in my outward
circumstances!' And he looked up imploringly for consent.

'Rise. This passion and that attitude are fitting neither for you nor
me.'

And as Philammon rose, she rose also, went into the library to her
father, and in a few minutes returned with him.

'Come with me, young man,' said he, laying his hand kindly enough on
Philammon's shoulder.... 'The rest of this matter you and I can settle;'
and Philammon followed him, not daring to look back at Hypatia, while
the whole room swam before his eyes.

'So, so I hear you have been saying rude things to my daughter. Well,
she has forgiven you--'

'Has she?' asked the young monk, with an eager start.

'Ah! you may well look astonished. But I forgive you too. It is lucky
for you, however, that I did not hear you, or else, old man as I am, I
can't say what I might not have done. Ah! you little know, you little
know what she is.--and the old pedant's eyes kindled with loving pride.
'May the gods give you some day such a daughter!--that is, if you learn
to deserve it--as virtuous as she is wise, as wise as she is beautiful.
Truly they have repaid me for my labours in their service. Look, young
man! little as you merit it, here is a pledge of your forgiveness, such
as the richest and noblest in Alexandria are glad to purchase with
many an ounce of gold--a ticket of free admission to all her lectures
henceforth! Now go; you have been favoured beyond your deserts, and
should learn that the philosopher can practise what the Christian only
preaches, and return good for evil.' And he put into Philammon's hand
a slip of paper, and bid one of the secretaries show him to the outer
door.

The youths looked up at him from their writing as he passed, with faces
of s