Page:Afterglow; pastels of Greek Egypt, 69 B.C. (IA afterglowpastels00buck).pdf/76

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
72
The Greek

woman and thou hast a reason for saying it which is not the same as mine. Just why, in thine opinion, is he a fool? . . ."

***

A distant shout echoed among the houses. Silence. Then quick steps in the street. Antonius, breathing heavily, his arms wrapped tight about a muffled figure, stepped out on the roof.

"Quick, where can I put her," he panted. "She is a fury. Look at her face. I am smothering her, but I am afraid she will scream."

"Thou hast done it!" Thersites sprang forward. "This becomes suddenly interesting! Wait. I can speak to her in her own language. Let me see what I can do."

Bending toward the girl's head, he spoke quickly and at some length. He