ll descend, I know not. When it will enwrap me, I know not.
But it will come, and at a time I am least ready, that I feel;' and Nika
wept like a child.

* * * * *

Venusta kissed her daughter and passed out of the Golden Room.

On arriving at the place where the slaves dwelt, she found Saronia had
fled, and no one knew whither. She was seen to take her mantle and leave
hurriedly, and that was all.

CHAPTER IV

SANCTUARY

When Saronia saw that Nika had fallen overpowered, and knew her lot was
cast, she felt herself a new creature. Her young blood coursed wildly,
and great thoughts trooped through her brain like a force of armed men
hastening to war. For a moment reason staggered, but did not fall.

When the tumult of her soul was stayed, she said:

'Has the goddess spoken through me? Am I her beloved? If this be so, why
not fly to her sanctuary and trust to her great power? I will away
now--even now! I will not question with myself. Farewell, cruel Nika!
Farewell, merciless girl! Thou wilt stand in thy lot at the end. I go my
way, whither I know not--gloom, night, darkness envelops me. But, chaste
Diana, show by thy kindly light the way--I am thine! Behold this tiny
crescent graven on my hand when yet a child--true sign my loved ones
were the worshippers of Ashtoreth; and now I come to thee, great Goddess
Luna, Hecate, Diana, the mother of Nature, adored in Ionia!'

* * * * *

Having passed the threshold of the house, she came down the shaded way,
along the side of Mount Coressus.

The tall pines murmured softly their evening hymn; the roadside was
covered with great bunches of pink and white flowers; clusters of ripe
grapes hung from the trellised vines, and the pomegranate-trees were
laden with fruit.

A flock of birds of varied hue flew around her, and an eagle, sporting
in the air and clapping its wings, swooped down and sailed from right to
left, fairest of omens the gods could give. This she saw, and recognised
its import, but the flowers and murmuring pines she heeded not.

Down the lovely way she trod and came to the valley beneath, and joined
the crowd passing along the city streets.

From the Odeum came the richest music, pealing forth upon the sultry
air, and, breaking into softest harmony, melted into the light.

On, further, until the great theatre burst upon her sight,