And so at length once more we stood within the hateful walls of that fair palace on the Lochias, and the dream was done. “Whither hast thou wandered with Cleopatra, Harmachis?” Charmion asked of me when I met her by chance on that day of return. “On some new mission of betrayal? Or was it but a love-journey?” “I went with Cleopatra upon secret business of the State,” I answered sternly. “So! Those who go secretly, go evilly; and foul birds love to fly at night. Not but what thou art wise, for it would scarce beseem thee, Harmachis, to show thy face openly in Egypt.” I heard, and felt my passion rise within me, for I could ill bear this fair girl’s scorn. “Hast thou never a word without a sting?” I asked. “Know, then, that I went whither thou hadst not dared to go, to gather means to hold Egypt from the grasp of Antony.” “So,” she answered, looking up swiftly. “Thou foolish man! Thou hadst done better to save thy labour, for Antony will grasp Egypt in thy despite. What power hast thou to-day in Egypt?” “That he may do in my despite; but in despite of Cleopatra that he cannot do,” I said. “Nay, but with the _aid_ of Cleopatra he can and will do it,” she answered with a bitter smile. “When the Queen sails in state up Cydnus stream she will surely draw this coarse Antony thence to Alexandria, conquering, and yet, like thee, a slave!” “It is false! I say that it is false! Cleopatra goes not to Tarsus, and Antony comes not to Alexandria; or, if he come, it will be to take the chance of war.” “Now, thinkest thou thus?” she answered with a little laugh. “Well, if it please thee, think as thou wilt. Within three days thou shalt know. It is pretty to see how easily thou art fooled. Farewell! Go, dream on Love, for surely Love is sweet.” And she went, leaving me angered and troubled at heart. I saw Cleopatra no more that day, but on the day which followed I saw her. She was in a heavy mood, and had no gentle word for me. I spake to her of the defence of Egypt, but she put the matter away. “Why dost thou weary me?” she said with anger; “canst thou not see that I am lost in troubles? When Dellius has had his answer to-morrow then we will speak of these matters.” “Ay,” I said, “when Dellius has had his answer; and knowest thou that but yesterday, Charmion--whom about the palace they name the ‘Keeper of the Queen’s secrets’--Charmion swore that the answer would be ‘Go in peace, I come to Antony!’”