expression, which, if seen by the Egyptian, would have at once damped
and enraged him; in fact, he never was more displeasing to her--the
harmonious modulation of the most suasive voice that ever disguised
unhallowed thought fell discordantly on her ear. Her whole soul was
still filled with the image of Glaucus; and the accent of tenderness
from another only revolted and dismayed; yet she did not conceive that
any passion more ardent than that platonism which Arbaces expressed
lurked beneath his words. She thought that he, in truth, spoke only of
the affection and sympathy of the soul; but was it not precisely that
affection and that sympathy which had made a part of those emotions she
felt for Glaucus; and could any other footstep than his approach the
haunted adytum of her heart?

Anxious at once to change the conversation, she replied, therefore, with
a cold and indifferent voice, 'Whomsoever Arbaces honors with the
sentiment of esteem, it is natural that his elevated wisdom should color
that sentiment with its own hues; it is natural that his friendship
should be purer than that of others, whose pursuits and errors he does
not deign to share. But tell me, Arbaces, hast thou seen my brother of
late? He has not visited me for several days; and when I last saw him
his manner disturbed and alarmed me much. I fear lest he was too
precipitate in the severe choice that he has adopted, and that he
repents an irrevocable step.'

'Be cheered, Ione,' replied the Egyptian. 'It is true that, some little
time since he was troubled and sad of spirit; those doubts beset him
which were likely to haunt one of that fervent temperament, which ever
ebbs and flows, and vibrates between excitement and exhaustion. But he,
Ione, he came to me his anxieties and his distress; he sought one who
pitied me and loved him; I have calmed his mind--I have removed his
doubts--I have taken him from the threshold of Wisdom into its temple;
and before the majesty of the goddess his soul is hushed and soothed.
Fear not, he will repent no more; they who trust themselves to Arbaces
never repent but for a moment.'

'You rejoice me,' answered Ione. 'My dear brother! in his contentment I
am happy.'

The conversation then turned upon lighter subjects; the Egyptian exerted
himself to please, he condescended even to entertain; the vast variety
of his knowledge enabled him to adorn and light up every subject on
which he touched; and Ione, forgetting t