Charmion turned and looked at me carelessly.  “Ay, I remember,” she said; “and so he has—­at least, the Queen would see his tricks; but if he can do none better than cause a sot”—­here she cast a glance of scorn at the wondering Paulus—­“to follow his nose through the gates he guards, he had better go whence he came.  Follow me, Sir Magician; and for thee, Brennus, I say, keep thy riotous crew more quiet.  For thee, most honourable Paulus, get thee sober, and next time I am asked for at the gates give him who asks a hearing.”  And, with a queenly nod of her small head, she turned and led the way, followed at a distance by myself and the armed slave.

We passed up the marble walk which runs through the garden grounds, and is set on either side with marble statues, for the most part of heathen Gods and Goddesses, with which these Lagidae were not ashamed to defile their royal dwellings.  At length we came to a beautiful portico with fluted columns of the Grecian style of art, where we found more guards, who made way for the Lady Charmion.  Crossing the portico we reached a marble vestibule where a fountain splashed softly, and thence by a low doorway a second chamber, known as the Alabaster Hall, most beautiful to see.  Its roof was upheld by light columns of black marble, but all its walls were panelled with alabaster, on which Grecian legends were engraved.  Its floor was of rich and many-hued mosaic that told the tale of the passion of Psyche for the Grecian God of Love, and about it were set chairs of ivory and gold.  Charmion bade the armed slave stay at the doorway of this chamber, so that we passed in alone, for the place was empty except for two eunuchs who stood with drawn swords before the curtain at the further end.

“I am vexed, my Lord,” she said, speaking very low and shyly, “that thou shouldst have met with such affronts at the gate; but the guard there served a double watch, and I had given my commands to the officer of the company that should have relieved it.  Those Roman officers are ever insolent, who, though they seem to serve, know well that Egypt is their plaything.  But it is not amiss, for these rough soldiers are superstitious, and will fear thee.  Now bide thou here while I go into Cleopatra’s chamber, where she sleeps.  I have but just sung her to sleep, and if she be awake I will call thee, for she waits thy coming.”  And without more words she glided from my side.

In a little time she returned, and coming to me spoke: 

“Wouldst see the fairest woman in all the world, asleep?” she whispered; “if so, follow me.  Nay, fear not; when she awakes she will but laugh, for she bade me be sure to bring thee instantly, whether she slept or woke.  See, I have her signet.”