theatre, and it occurred to her that on several sides people were pointing at her with their fingers.  She did not know which way she should look and began to feel bashful; still she was pleased at being remarked by so many people, and as she stood looking at the ground out of sheer embarrassment to hide the delight she felt, Verus, who had gone up to the group of artists, called out, putting his hand on the prefect’s arm.

“Charming-charming! a Roxana that might have sprung straight out of the picture.”

Arsinoe heard these words, and guessing that they referred to her she became more confused than ever, while her awkward smile gradually changed to an expression of joyful but anxious expectation of a delight which was almost painful in its magnitude.

Now one of the artists pronounced her name, and as she ventured to raise her eyes to see if it were not Pollux who had spoken, she observed the wealthy Plutarch who, with his two living crutches and Gabinius, the lean curiosity-dealer, was inspecting the ranks of her companions.  Presently he had come quite close to her, and as he was helped towards her with tottering steps, he dug the dealer in the ribs and said, kissing the back of his hand, and winking his great eyes:  “I know—­I know!  It is not easily forgotten.  Ivory and red coral!”

Arsinoe started, the blood left her cheeks, and all satisfaction fled from her heart when the old man came to a stand-still in front of her, and said kindly: 

“Ah! ah! a bud out of the papyrus factory among all these proud roses and lilies.  Ah! ah! out of my work-rooms to join my assembly!  Never mind-never mind, beauty is everywhere welcome.  I do not ask how you got here.  I am only glad that you are here.”

Arsinoe covered part of her face with her hand, but he tapped her white arm three times with his middle finger, and then tottered on laughing to himself.  The dealer had caught Plutarch’s words, and asked him, when they had gone a few steps from Arsinoe, with eager indignation: 

“Did I hear you rightly? a work-woman in your factory, and here among our daughters?”

“So it is—­two busy hands among so many idle ones,” said the old man, gaily.

“Then she must have forced her way in, and must be turned out.”

“Certainly she shall not—­Why, she is charming.”

“It is revolting! here, in this assembly!”

“Revolting?” interrupted Plutarch.  “Oh dear, no! we must not be too particular.  And how are we to obtain mere children from you antiquity-mongers?” Then he added pleasantly: 

“This lovely creature must I should think, delight your fine sense of beauty; or are you afraid that she may seem better suited to the part of Roxana than your own charming daughter?  Only listen to the men up there!  Let us see what is going on.”