The City of Delight

After a time Laodice lifted her head and spoke to the Greek.

"If thou wilt give me shelter, madam, for a few days only, I promise

thee thou shalt not regret it," she said.

The girl was interesting and Amaryllis had been disappointed in

Philadelphus. Nothing tender or compassionate; only a little

curiosity, a little rancor, a little ennui and a faint instinctive

hope that something of interest might yet develop, moved the Greek.

"Send your servant to Ascalon for proofs," she said. "I shall give you

shelter here until you are proved undeserving of it. And since the

times are uncertain, do not delay."