other;' and gathering
a bunch of orange-blossom and roses, he gave them to Nika.

CHAPTER XVIII

WARNING

As they passed the gateway, Endora, the witch, stood by and gazed at the
girl and Chios. The maiden pitied her, and gave her a coin of gold. The
old woman looked up, first at Chios; then, turning to Nika, said:

'May the choicest flowers of life ever strew thy pathway, fair lady, and
may the goddess---- But stay, I cannot bless thee. I have no power to do
so. Would that I could!'

As they passed away, she muttered:

'I cannot even try to bless her; she is accursed of Hecate--I read it
too well. Ah, ah, ah! She is like unto me: both are outcasts; she in the
heyday of youth and flowing over with wealth, I an old hag and poor as a
barren rock, save for this bit of gold. The goddess is no respecter of
persons. What can be the sin of this golden-haired beauty? Mine I know.
I will unravel hers. Where does she go, I wonder? And with Chios? And he
gave her the richest flowers. I will follow far behind. My sight is
keen. I will know where she perches.'

So Endora followed, and saw them enter the house of Venusta. The witch
accosted a little child.

'Knowest thou the lady of this dwelling, innocent one? I am seeking
alms, and would know her name.'

'The lady of the house?' replied the girl.

'Yes, of this one,' pointing with her finger. 'This house,' and she
pierced through the eye of the child, who started back with dread. 'Tell
me, quickly, who resides within.'

'Venusta, wife of Lucius, the Roman sailor.'

'And who was that fair maid who passed in with the noble Greek?'

'That was Nika, her daughter.'

Endora moved off, murmuring, 'Nika! Nika!' A sudden frenzy seized her;
her eyes glared out like spots of fire.

'Nika, is it? Ah, I know her pride! She hunted the chosen of Hecate, and
now she loves without being beloved, and the curse is strong upon her.
She has her reward. Starving am I, and this coin would buy food; but I
will never use it. No, back it shall go to the giver! The flying slave,
starting eyes, haunted look, speak to me. I helped to save, encourage
Saronia. I will never fatten on the alms of her enemy! No, no; outcast
as thou art, poor soul of mine, I will not taint thee further by
accepting such as this.'

So she went back to the girl to whom she had spoken, and said:

'Take thou this golden coin to the slave who stands in yo