CHREM. (_to himself._) Why, really, the more and more I think of it, I shouldn’t be surprised if this Thais should be doing me {some} great mischief; so cunningly do I perceive myself beset by her. Even on the occasion when she first requested me to be fetched to her (any one might ask me, “What business had you with her?” Really I don’t know.) When I came, she found an excuse for me to remain there; she said that she had been offering a sacrifice,[74] and that she was desirous to speak upon some important business with me. Even then I had a suspicion that all these things were being done for her artful purposes. She takes her place beside me; pays every attention to me; seeks an opportunity of conversation. When {the conversation} flagged, she turned off to this point-- how long since my father and mother died? I said that it was now a long time ago. Whether I had any country-house at Sunium, and how far from the sea? I suppose that this has taken her fancy, {and} she expects to get it away from me. Then at last, whether any little sister of mine had been lost from there; whether any person was with her; what she had about her when she was lost; whether any one could recognize her. Why should she make these inquiries? Unless, perhaps, she pretends-- so great is her assurance-- that she herself is the same person that was formerly lost when a little girl. But if she is alive, she is sixteen years old, not older; {whereas} Thais is somewhat older than I am. She has sent to press me earnestly to come. Either let her speak out what she wants, or not be troublesome; I assuredly shall not come a third time (_knocking at the door of THAIS_). Ho! there, ho! there! Is any one here? It’s I, Chremes. SCENE IV. _Enter PYTHIAS from the house._ PYTH. O most charming, dear creature! CHREM. (_apart._) I said there was a design upon me. PYTH. Thais entreated you most earnestly to come again to-morrow. CHREM. I’m going into the country. PYTH. Do, there’s a dear sir. CHREM. I can not, I tell you. PYTH. Then stay here at our house till she comes back. CHREM. Nothing less likely. PYTH. Why, my dear Chremes? (_Taking hold of him._) CHREM. (_shaking her off._) Away to perdition with you! PYTH. If you are so determined about it, pray do step over to the place where she is. CHREM. I’ll go {there}. PYTH. (_calling at the door._) {Here}, Dorias (_DORIAS enters_), show this person directly to the Captain’s. (_Exit CHREMES with DORIAS, PYTHIAS goes into the house._ SCENE V. _Enter ANTIPHO._