Page:Afterglow; pastels of Greek Egypt, 69 B.C. (IA afterglowpastels00buck).pdf/80

76 watching, she took a step backward, another, then disappeared through the door. Antonius watched in amazement.

"Thou hast sent her away!"

"Yes. We are both satisfied, thou and I."

The next evening, Thersites sat alone upon the house-top. His calm held no expectance and no regret. A new poem, neatly copied on papyrus, was in his hand, and his voice rose and fell softly.

A servant appeared at the door.

"There is an Egyptian girl below, who asks to see thee," he said. "She has flowers in her arms."