Page:Afterglow; pastels of Greek Egypt, 69 B.C. (IA afterglowpastels00buck).pdf/73

Rh the asking. Why should I hesitate now, at a desire of my own, for an old man or a few gray-bearded priests? Besides, she is beautiful."

His eye shifted.

"No more so, I must admit, than Crobyle here, bounty of thy marvelous fortune, who has blessed me with so many smiles. But I would not venture, for all my bravery, a siege of Crobyle's experienced heart."

"Crobyle and I are hardly on speaking terms, these days," said Thersites, glancing from Antonius to the girl. "I think she enjoys provoking more fire than comes from such a temperament as mine. And she thinks my verses a poor substitute for more substantial adoration. What a shame she cannot leave me. Is it not so, my beloved?"

Crobyle would not answer. The Roman dwelt upon her for a moment.