Aretias opened the door for her without her having to knock, and, according to the Greek custom, took her aside into a little room, untied her red shoes, and gently washed her naked feet. Then, raising the robe, or parting it, according to the place, she perfumed wherever there was necessity for it: for the guests were spared every kind of trouble, even that of making their toilette before going in to dinner. Then she offered a comb and pins to restore the lines of her head-dress, together with cosmetics, both dry and moist, for her lips and cheeks. At last, when Chrysis was ready: “Where are the _shades?”_ she said to the slave. This was the term applied to all the diners, except to one alone, the guest par excellence. The guest in honour of whom the dinner was given brought whomsoever he pleased with him, and the “shades” had nothing to do but to bring their bed-cushions and prove themselves people of breeding. Aretias answered: “Naukrates has invited Philodemos with his mistress, Faustina, whom he has brought back from Italy. He has also invited Phrasilas and Timon, and your friend Seso of Cuidos.” ill-044 _Aretias opened the door for her._ Seso entered at this precise moment. “Chrysis!” “My darling!” The two women embraced, and enlarged with many an exclamation upon the happy chance which had brought them together. “I was afraid of being late,” said Seso. “That poor Archytas has kept me. . .” “What, Archytas again?” “It is always the same thing. Whenever I go out to dine, he imagines that my body is to be at everybody’s disposal in turn. Then he insists on having his revenge beforehand, and that takes such a time! Ah! my dear, if he knew me better! I am far from wanting to deceive my lovers. I have quite enough of them as it is.” “And the baby that is coming? It does not show yet, however.” “I hope not indeed. It is the third month. It is growing, the little wretch. But it does not bother me yet. In six weeks I shall begin to dance. I hope that will prove very unpleasant to it, and that it will disappear quickly.” “You are right,” said Chrysis. “Don’t let your shape get disfigured. I saw Philemation yesterday, our former little friend, who lived three years at Boubaste with a grain merchant. Do you know the first thing she said to me? ‘Ah! if you saw my breasts!’ and she had tears in her eyes. I told her she was still pretty, but she repeated: ‘If you saw my breasts! ah! ah! if you saw my breasts!’ weeping like a Byblis. Then I saw that she was almost anxious to show them, and I asked to see them. My dear, two empty bags! And you know what beauties she had. They were so white that the points were invisible. Don’t spoil yours, my Seso. Leave them fresh and firm as they are. A courtesan’s two breasts are worth more than her necklace.”