"'Are you the daughter of Magas, the Egyptian?' asked the lady, eyeing me from head to foot.
"'Yes, Madam,' I answered. 'I am Heliodore, the daughter of Magas. I pray that I have done no wrong in walking in this garden, but the General Olaf, the Master of the Palace, gave me leave to come here.'
"'And did the General Olaf, whom we know as Michael, give you that necklace which you wear, also, O Daughter of Magas? Nay, you must needs answer me, for I am the Augusta.'
"Now I curtsied again, and said:
"'Not so, O Augusta; the necklace is from Old Egypt, and was found upon the body of a royal lady in a tomb. I have worn it for many years.'
"'Indeed, and that which the General Michael wears came also from a tomb.'
"'Yes, he told me so, Augusta,' I said.
"'It would seem that the two must once have been one, Daughter of Magas?'
"'It may be so, Augusta; I do not know.'
"Now the Empress looked about her, and the lady Martina, dropping behind, began to fan herself.
"'Are you married, girl?' she asked.
"'No,' I answered.
"'Are you affianced?'
"Now I hesitated a little, then answered 'No' again.
"'You seem to be somewhat doubtful on the point. Farewell for this while. When you walk abroad in our garden, which is open to you, be pleased to array yourself in the dress of our country, and not in that of a courtesan of Egypt.'"
