must be as strangers. And now, Muthis, will you agree to these terms ? "

All the evil passions in the Egyptian's nature became visible in his countenance as he listened to Medora's decision, the sincerity and firmness of which he could not any longer doubt. His eyes glared with anger and revenge from beneath his dark brows, and his teeth were set and his lips compressed, as if to restrain the violent expression of his indignation and insulted pride.

"I scorn your offered friendship," he replied, in a low, deep voice, "a friendship that I now perceive would be but hatred in disguise. But I will have your hand, in spite of your childish resistance. Your father has the right of disposing of you, and he is pledged to me by promises which he will not dare to break. I no longer appeal to your love or your reason in this matter: Sophis will act more wisely for you than either you or your mother seem disposed to do. He will know how to guard you from the machinations of the Nazarenes, and also from the attractions of that young Roman student who hovered about you so assiduously some months ago. Perhaps he also has a leaning towards the doctrines of the Nazarenes."

Medora's face flushed, and her eyes sparkled with indignation. She did not, however, deign to reply, but turned away and kept silence.

It was now Marcella's turn to speak. All her fears were forgotten, or overmastered by the more powerful feeling of indignation at the insult offered to her daughter.

"Go,

"Leave us, Muthis," she said, firmly and decidedly. if it pleases you, to Sophis, and try to disturb the peace of a

happy family. You may, indeed, succeed in causing us much misery; but be assured you will gain nothing by your malicious interference."

Marcella drew up her queenly form, and waved her hand as a sign to the Egyptian to depart. Muthis still lingeredhe wished to try other ground, and to persuade Marcella again to listen to his arguments, and to use her influence with Medora. But the stately Greek lady was not now to be moved: she took a silver bell from the marble table near which she stood, and rang it sharply. A Nubian slave quickly entered, and waited her commands with a look that showed he was prepared to execute them, whatever they might be.

"The Lord Muthis requires his chariot," she said, coldly; and then, taking up her embroidery, she resumed her seat, and took no further notice of her unwelcome visitor.

Muthis had no choice but to take his departure; and he did so with a very bad grace, and with a determination to carry all his threats into speedy execution.

He immediately repaired to the private cabinet where Sophis transacted his affairs of business, and held small political meetings. He found him engaged with one of the leaders of the political party to which he belonged; and, being requested to remain, he discovered that the Prefect had sent a confidential emissary to propose to Sophis that he should go on an important mission to Constantinople.

The manner in which the proposal was made was flattering, and Sophis very readily acceded to it; and he promised to be prepared to set out in a few days. The official then took his