nder vestibule
and say it belongs to Mistress Nika, that she gave it to a woman at the
gate of Chios, and that the woman has no use for it. Now go, quickly,
and perhaps she may reward thee. I would, but have none to give.'

For very fear the child took the money within, and the witch Endora
passed on her way.

As the woman went by the Temple, a company of priestesses passed the
outer walls and made for the grand entrance. She hurried forward and
overtook them, singling out a striking form, one whom she could not
mistake, and, rushing to the front, fell prostrate at her feet, crying:

'Mercy, lady, mercy; hear me! Do not turn aside. Rather would I ye
should use me to clean the dust from off thy sandals ere ye enter the
sacred courts.'

'What hast thou to say?'

'Mighty priestess, thou art Saronia.'

'I am.'

'Did I not tell thee, noble lady, thy star rode upwards in the Eastern
sky? and now its light so strong, so splendid, beats upon thee, that
thou art like a silver moon among the stars. Hear me, great priestess, I
implore thee. Think of Endora, vile and steeped in iniquity. Pray for me
that I may be forgiven--pray for me!'

And with a cry she fell to the ground.

'Take her within,' said Saronia, 'and see that she be cared for. I will
follow.'

Then they raised her, and the poor thing staggered through the great
court.

The priestess was soon at the side of the wretched woman, and two
attendants ministered to her wants. When she revived, Saronia dismissed
the girls, saying:

'Alone I will listen to this tale of grief.'

When they had departed, she took Endora's hand in hers.

'Art thou better? Say on thy story.'

'I am base, worse than thou dreamest. True, I was weak, faint for want
of food; but I am not penitent. I have no desire to be forgiven. Deeper
sunk is my soul by this pretending, this false asking pardon through thy
intercession with the goddess. No, no, no; my spirit is too dark, too
damned for cleansing! I have another motive.'

'Vile woman, what dost thou mean?'

'I come to tell thee of _Nika_.'

'Nika? Nika of Lucius?'

'Yes.'

'Stay thy speech, then; she is dead to me. I have no desire to hear more
of her.'

'But, dreadful Saronia, thou _shalt_ hear _that I have to say_! Thou
hast a woman's heart, and will listen as I go on. She has been thine
enemy--still is--she lurks in thy pathway. Venusta is as bad, if not
worse. Both would singe thy wings, sacred as thou art, and draw t