All these points were duly considered, but could not shake the opinion that, under specially favourable conditions, the Queen’s plan would be practicable; though, to execute it, obstacles mountain-high were to be conquered.  All the labourers in the fields, who had not been pressed into the army, must be summoned to the work.

Not an hour’s delay was permitted.  Where there was no water to bear the ships, an attempt must be made to convey them across the land.  There was no lack of means.  The mechanics who had understood how to move the obelisks and colossi from the cataract to Alexandria, could here again find opportunity to test their brains and former skill.

Never had Cleopatra’s kindling spirit roused more eager, nay, more passionate sympathy, in any counsellors gathered around her than during this nocturnal meeting, and when at last she paused, the loud acclamations of excited men greeted her.  The Queen’s return, and the tidings of the lost battle which she had communicated, were to be kept secret.

Gorgias had been appointed one of the directors of the enterprise, and the intellect, voice, and winning charm of Cleopatra had so enraptured him that he already fancied he saw the commencement of a new love which would be fatal to his regard for Helena.

It was foolish to raise his wishes so high, but he told himself that he had never beheld a woman more to be desired.  Yet he cherished a very warm memory of the philosopher’s grand-daughter, and lamented that he would scarcely find it possible to bid her farewell.

Zeno, the Keeper of the Seal, Dion’s uncle, had questioned him about his nephew in a very mysterious manner as soon as he entered the council chamber, and received the reply that the wound in the shoulder, which Caesarion had dealt with a short Roman sword, though severe, was—­so the physicians assured them-not fatal.

This seemed to satisfy Zeno, and ere Gorgias could urge him to extend a protecting hand over his nephew, he excused himself and, with a message to the wounded man, turned his back upon him.

The courtier had not yet learned what view the Queen would take of this unfortunate affair, and besides, he was overloaded with business.  The new enterprise required the issue of a large number of documents conferring authority, which all passed through his hands.

Cleopatra addressed a few kind, encouraging words to each one of the experts who had been entrusted with the execution of her plan.  Gorgias, too, was permitted to kiss her robe, which stirred his blood afresh.  He would fain have flung himself at the feet of this marvellous woman and, with his services, place his life at her disposal.  And Cleopatra noticed the enthusiastic ardour of his glance.

He, too, had been mentioned in the list of Barine’s admirers.  There must be something unusual about this woman!  But could she have fired a body of grave men in behalf of a great, almost impossible deed, roused them to such enthusiastic admiration as she, the vanquished, menaced Queen?  Certainly not.