“What a handsome chain, O Psyche!” said Elea. “’Tis a gift of Gyges,” said Psyche. “Truly, ’tis a perfect gift!” exclaimed Merope. “Can ye not stay and eat with us?” asked Sulpicius. “Nay, we must away. Fare ye well, O happy friends! May smiles be always on thy lips!” said Gyges, as he and Psyche went on their way. “Are they not lovely maidens, O Gyges?” asked Psyche, when they were out upon the Via Appia, walking towards home. “Ay, my Psyche,” he assented. “They dance well too,” she added. “Elea dances the better,” said Gyges. “She makes a good Chloris to thy Niobe.” “Are we not late? See, the sun has set long since! Wilt thou not dine with us this night, O Gyges?” she asked. “Ay; ’tis Gannon’s night at home,” he replied. “What new story will he have to tell us, I wonder?” she asked. “He always brings cheer when he comes home. Last week he told us of Livilla.” “Ay, he is truly a happy youth.” “His large eyes will open wider when he sees his sister’s new home,” said Psyche. Their conversation was still running on Gannon when they turned down the street that led to Alcmaeon’s home. Noticing the soldiers stationed before the house, the lovers quickened their steps. When they arrived at the door, Gyges asked one of the soldiers, “What dost thou wish?” “Alcmaeon and his family are under arrest,” replied the soldier. “He and his wife have gone to the camp. We await the daughter.” At this announcement Psyche excitedly inquired: “What have they done? I am their daughter.” “I know not. Long enough have we waited for thee,” said the soldier, angrily. “Come, thou must go at once!” “But give me leave to go to my room,” said Psyche, trembling, as she opened the door. While she was gone, Gyges asked for more information. He learned that Gannon had fallen and was dead, and that the lad’s body had been sent to be cremated. With a heavy heart he entered the house and called Psyche. She ran to him; and reading in his face that something horrible had occurred, she cried, “O Gyges, what has happened?” “O my love, the little dead fish was a true omen.” “But no one is dead?” asked Psyche, excitedly. He drew her towards him as he said: “Be brave, O love! A great calamity has befallen thee and thy parents.” “Tell me the truth, O Gyges.” “Gannon is dead,” he quietly whispered. Psyche, overwhelmed with grief, buried her face on her lover’s shoulder. Through her sobs she asked, “How did he die?” “He fell from the roof of the camp.” “May I not see him?” she asked. “’Tis best thou shouldst not,” replied her lover. “But what means the arrest, O Gyges?” “I know not, O love,--but we must go. Soldiers have no hearts. Be brave, my Psyche! Pray to the gods for strength.” “But there,” he suddenly exclaimed, “is a tunic!” Hastily taking up the garment from which Hera had begun to remove the cloth that held Gannon’s message, Gyges gave the tunic to Psyche, saying, “’Tis Gannon’s.”