The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

s because he knows us that he Avishes to marry me . " "An odd recommendation in the choice of a wife , " said Phryne , with bitter scorn , and glancing at Lais , continued , " Balbus does not appear to be

overnice . " " He is a fool , " replied Lais , keeping down ivith all her power , the rage evoked by Phryne ' s contemptuous words . "A clever fool , or I am mistaken . "

"That may be , but attend to me . There is an offer of marriage made to you , how do you feel affected ?"

" Marenna , or some other Bacchanal , I presume . No , I shall never marry , and I am sick of these hideous orgies of the Suburra . I ivould I were in my grave . " " Time enough to think of that these forty

j'ears hence , but it is not Marenna nor any of our friends ivho is , Avith your permission , to become your spouse ?" " Who is it then ? Some old dotard , rich enough to pitch his money bags in the scale against

rny body . Beware , Lais , " and Phryne rising on her elbow gave her a cold , searching , but deadly look , " you have clone me a wooing once . I have not forgotten it , I do not think I have forgiven it . A second attempt , and j'ou know me too well to

doubt the consequences . " " I know you , " said Lais , in vain attempting to hide a tremor iu her voice , " but this is no such case . The husband proposed for you , is young , handsome , rich , and brave . He has proved

himself a valiant soldier , his poems are well known , and his revenue is anions ; the larg-est in Rome . What think you of that ?" " Why one ivould imagine that you were proposing Caius Fabius , the hero of Rome , to me . " " Ancl if I did ?"

" I would think you a greater fool than knave , " said Phryne , looking her quietly in the face . " You cannot irritate me , Phryne . I have come this time at least , to attempt to do you good . If I . fail , it must be because you are blind to your

own interests . " " Who is the man ?" " You have named him . Cains Fabius . " " Has he proposed for me ? I never spoke to him , and he has never seen me . "

"That is of little consequence . He will visit our house shortly , the rest is in your hands . " "Perhaps you ivill exjjkin to me what these

marriages mean . Some powerful motive must lie under the surface . Let everything be clear between us . " " It is precisely ivhat I wish . You will then see the necessity of marrying Caius Fabius . "

" Always presuming that Caius Fabius ivill have me . Do not count too fast , Lais . Proceed . " Our money is completely spent , and your father has raised a large sum upon this house . " " Borrowed from Balbus , I presume ?"

"Precisely . I marry him to prevent your father and Myra being turned into the street . You marry Caius for a home to yourself , a proud home too . " " Do you consider that your scheme is attended

with o'reat risks ? What if some Athenian comes hither , who knew our story , and divulged it . " " Once captivated by you , you have wondrous beauty child , Caius ivill only believe ivhat you wish him . "

"I do not see any help for it . At any rate my marriage is not so great a sacrifice as yours . One condition and I shall accept . Myra , she stands with me after my marriage , that I insist upon . " " Wherefore , Myra naturally comes with me . "

" Not so , that child at least shall be preserved from the curse of our house . I will not risk her in such society as she is certain to meet at Balbus's house . I can understand your desire to preserve her from it ; she will be better with me . "

" I agree , " said Lais , and then ivith marked emphasis , she added , ' ' when I m any Balbus , you shall have the charge of Myra . I have nothing to object to in that . I may now leave you . " It was only when she was in a distant room that Lais gave way to the rage that devoured her .

She strode up ancl down the chamber like a caged panther , her breath coming thick and hot from her nostrils , and a slight foam , tinged with blood , appeared on her lips , whicli she had bitten , in preventing her passion venting itself in wild

beasts howls . It was a fearful sight to see the rolling eyes , and the clenched hands striking the air as if an enemy was in the path . Seemingly Phryne had galled some gaping raw in the heart of Lais . She however , soon recovei'ed , ancl when

Balbus appeared further on in the day , she met him with a shower of smiles . " Then you accept my offer , lady fair ?" " In the same spirit in which it is given . I would be a fool else . I am proud of my conquest , each a noble and handsome man as you are , might