Page:Afterglow; pastels of Greek Egypt, 69 B.C. (IA afterglowpastels00buck).pdf/39

Rh The door of the house behind them opened slowly, and a young girl appeared. She was dressed very simply and wore no jewels. Her eyes were red, a little, and her cheeks still bore traces of tears. But she smiled.

"Can I bring thee any pleasure?" she asked, timidly.

Thessalos threw a troubled glance at Nisos, who had turned toward the girl.

"Dost thou believe in the gods?"

The girl looked surprised.

"I believe in Aphrodite. That is enough for me."

"And dost thou really wish to please me?"

"Oh Yes!"

Night had completely fallen. Nisos arose from the bench, in the shaft of yellow light which streamed from the door.

"It is possible," he said.