t hideous hag beneath the sun bestowed it, such is its
asserted virtue that Glaucus would deem her beautiful, and none but
her!'

Julia, warmed by wine, and the reaction of her spirits, was now all
animation and delight; she laughed loud, and talked on a hundred
matters--nor was it till the night had advanced far towards morning that
she summoned her slaves and undressed.

When they were dismissed, she said to Nydia, 'I will not suffer this
holy draught to quit my presence till the hour comes for its use. Lie
under my pillow, bright spirit, and give me happy dreams!'

So saying, she placed the potion under her pillow. Nydia's heart beat
violently.

'Why dost thou drink that unmixed water, Nydia? Take the wine by its
side.'

'I am fevered,' replied the blind girl, 'and the water cools me. I will
place this bottle by my bedside, it refreshes in these summer nights,
when the dews of sleep fall not on our lips. Fair Julia, I must leave
thee very early--so Ione bids--perhaps before thou art awake; accept,
therefore, now my congratulations.'

'Thanks: when next we meet you may find Glaucus at my feet.'

They had retired to their couches, and Julia, worn out by the excitement
of the day, soon slept. But anxious and burning thoughts rolled over
the mind of the wakeful Thessalian. She listened to the calm breathing
of Julia; and her ear, accustomed to the finest distinctions of sound,
speedily assured her of the deep slumber of her companion.

'Now befriend me, Venus!' said she, softly.

She rose gently, and poured the perfume from the gift of Julia upon the
marble floor--she rinsed it several times carefully with the water that
was beside her, and then easily finding the bed of Julia (for night to
her was as day), she pressed her trembling hand under the pillow and
seized the potion. Julia stirred not, her breath regularly fanned the
burning cheek of the blind girl. Nydia, then, opening the phial, poured
its contents into the bottle, which easily contained them; and then
refilling the former reservoir of the potion with that limpid water
which Julia had assured her it so resembled, she once more placed the
phial in its former place. She then stole again to her couch, and
waited--with what thoughts!--the dawning day.

The sun had risen--Julia slept still--Nydia noiselessly dressed herself,
placed her treasure carefully in her vest, took up her staff, and
hastened to quit the house.

The porter, Medon, salu