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"I do," Anna agreed.

"How do you expect," Iarbas inquired, "to make the best of your present circumstances?"

"I do not expect anything," Anna declared, "and I have no power to make, I can only go on existing, and pray and wait, as a woman must, for what is to come."

"You must have expected something," Iarbas insisted. "You could not help thinking."

"I was too dazed to think," Anna maintained. "If I expected anything it was that Bitias would seize the citadel as soon as he heard of Dido's death and likely enough have me strangled to ensure his control of the city. If he made no attempt at revolution or faction, Pygmalion might appear any day with an irresistible fleet convoying the transports of an overwhelming army. I saw not a ray of hope for the city or for me. Dido had capacity, and popularity and prestige, I have barely the shadow of any of the three."

"And now?" Iarbas queried.

"You are master of the city, you say," she answered. "I am in your hands."

"The logical solution," Iarbas declared, "is for you to marry me and live on as queen of Carthage."

"You hound!" Anna cried. "My sister unburied, and you talk to me of marriage!"

Iarbas stared at her amazed at her outburst