The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

" 1 thank thee for thy welcome , Murtius . although I cannot promise thee much of my society . The student is scarcely fit to perform the duties of a squire of dames . My books and the conversation of my philosophic friends , form my world ,

yet since thou hast given me so fair a welcome , be certain I shall use it . The man is labouring under some excitement , " thought Adrian to himself , " what can have produced it ? Has the domestic atmosphere been squally , with thunder and rain . Let us see ?"

Murtius marshalled them into the apartment where Lais and Phryne were . Adrian ' s quick eye detected at once the marks of a past tempest on the women ' s brows , for in spite of all their efforts a hectic spot , and a gathering of the broAVS

told of a terrible battle . " A queer household this , " thought Adrian , " but tempests clear the sky , we will have fine weather , now that the storm is past . " " My sister Lais , and this my daughter Phryne , "

• said Murtius . " This the noble Adrian , our friend Caius' cousin . " Then looking round the apartment he asked , " where is Myra ?" " In her room , doubtless , " answered Phryne , " I shall call her , " aud she turned to go , saluting Adrian gravely , and bending a bright glance

upon Caius as she passed him , that thrilled his heart with rapture . Lais looked at the two cousins , so tall , so stately , for Rome could not have produced a handsomer pair . The one dark crested , Avith piercing

intelligent eyes , and a countenance expressive of a keen analytical nature , jirone fc 0 doubt , and only satisfied after ample proof . Still there Avas honour , honesty , large hearted benevolence in his face , which denoted an open hand and a loyal soul . On

the other hand Caius , Avith his golden hair , his SAveet pensive blue eyes , and a charming innocence , of countenance , seemed the beau ideal of a poet , trusting candid and true , in Avar a lion , in jDeace a dove . Lais thought she had never seen in all her life so noble a pair . Adrian too quietly scrutinized Lais and Murtius , and soon read them .

" His sister , Lais , truly , " he thought . " She maybe so in Rome . In Athens they joined , them by a warmer though less legitimate link . " Phryne and Myra entered the apartment , all traces of tears were Aviped away . Adrian Avheeled

round and looked at Myra , she timidly lifted her eyes to his face , and then Avith a slight cry , knelt at his feet and kissed his hand . All looked

astonished , and Adrian lifting Myra from the ground , led her to a couch . " Be not astonished , Murtius . I had the pleasureof rendering your daughter a service some timeago ,. Avhen attacked by some drunken ruffian nobles . "

" Is it to you that we are indebted - for her safety ? " said Lais coming fonvard and seizing hishand . " It is , if there was any danger , " said Adrian looking her in the face . "Ah , " he thought ,

" there is a warmer feeling there than an aunt ' s . Poor child . " " Accept our thanks , " said Murtius , " had I knoAvn AVIIO was my daughters survivor , I would ! have called upon you and thanked you long

erethis . She had been spending the day with a friend of oui'S , the noble Lucidora and' was returninghome when she was attacked . I owe you a dee-p debt of gratitude . " " Nonsense , anyone could have done the same ,,

especially when backed by such Avarriors as Lycusand Sempronius . But you know Lucidora , " hesaid , with a tender look in his dark eyes , to » Myra" She is a very dear friend of mine . I go thereevery day . "

Pretty - little innocent , Avas that a hint that . Adrian mig ht know where to find her ? " Lucidora is a relation of mine , " said Adrian , " I am proud to think you know her , for a more perfect Avoman exists not in Rome , although I

takeshame to myself for never having visited her with that frequency which our relationship demands ,, but books somehow are jealous creatures , and bind us to home . " Adrian was pleased to leam this , more pleased

than he could see any reason for . It seemed a guarantee for Myra's purity , and he resolved , under plea of his relationship to Avile from Lucidora her opinion of Myra , for Lucidora was an honoured name for every female virtue in Rome .

While-Adrian Avas speaking to Myra , Caius talked to Phryne , and Murtius took the opportunity of exchanging a feAV whispers with Lais . " Hie thee Lais , see that the slave cooks excel themselve to day , and the wines see that they be choice . It is a grand day for us . "

" Get Adrian outoftheroom , andleaveCaiusaloiae Avith Phryne . BeAvare of Adrian though . Heis no common man , no easily gulled fool . His eyes are piercing as a haAvk ' s . Take care , or else he'll teach Phryne ' s love sick sAvain to fly the perch . "