sadly at the memories of his past youth. The monk rose, and continued in solemn tones —
"Know then, O Nicias, that, with the aid of God, I will snatch this woman Thaïs from the unclean affections of the world, and give her as a spouse to Jesus Christ. If the Holy Spirit does not forsake me, Thaïs will leave this city and enter a nunnery."
"Beware of offending Venus," replied Nicias. "She is a powerful goddess; she will be angry with you if you take away her chief minister."
"God will protect me," said Paphnutius. "May He also illumine thy heart, O Nicias, and draw thee out of the abyss in which thou art plunged."
And he stalked out of the room. But Nicias followed him, overtook him on the threshold, and placing his hand on his shoulder whispered into his ear the same words —
"Beware of offending Venus; her vengeance is terrible."
Paphnutius, disdainful of these trivial words, left without turning his head. He felt only contempt for Nicias; but what he could not bear was the idea that his former friend had received the caresses of Thaïs. It seemed to him that to sin with that woman was more detestable than to sin with any other. To him this appeared the height of iniquity, and he henceforth looked upon Nicias as an object
