I can do nothing
greater. She will feel lonely, but love me more intensely.'

* * * * *

Varro went directly to Nika, and told her of his visit.

'Fool!' said she. 'Let him die! If he count not his life worth having,
why then should we trouble?'

'Nay, child, do not be so rash,' said Venusta. 'Do not speak so lightly
of his fate. We do not know all. Chios is never the man to act without
great reason. He will weigh all consequences.'

'Well, well; I will see him myself as a last effort,' said the girl.
'May I, Varro?'

'Do as thou wilt, but ere thou goest make oath on the honour of a Roman
lady thou wilt give him nothing to frustrate the decree. The dishonour
would be on me.'

'Agreed! When may I go?'

'At once. Every moment is precious.'

She was soon ready, and without any apparent perturbation accompanied
her lover to the place where Chios was confined.

As she drew near her face became blanched with terror, and she leaned on
the arm of Varro for support. Her courage gave way, and for the first
time she betrayed a great agitation.

They traversed the line of underground cells until they came to the one
in which Chios lay. The Proconsul communicated his wishes to the guard,
and Nika was conducted within, and left with Chios.

When he saw her he started back as if stung with a poisoned arrow. His
nature told him there was cause to fear. Did she suspect his secret? For
a moment both were silent, then he exclaimed:

'Nika, why comest thou to such a horrible place? Hearest thou the roar
of the angry beasts calling for their prey? Art thou not afraid?'

'No, Chios, I fear not, only for thee. That has brought me here. I mean
to rescue thee. Have I not told thee aforetime that that love which
would not dare to die for another is not worthy of the name of love?
Thou hast ever known I love thee. Again, without I dissemble. Here I am
once more unrestrained. I will speak freely to thee. No one will hear.
My Roman has given me liberty to hold free and secret communion with
thee. Now, Chios, we must not bandy words. My visit must necessarily be
brief, and I have come to aid thee. What wert thou doing in the Sacred
Grove? Tell me, dearest Chios. Tell me lies or truth, anything that I
may have argument to plead for thee.'

Then answered he:

'Lies I cannot speak; the truth I will not.'

'Then I know, and will answer for thee. I will say Saronia sent for
thee, and thou wert there w