Drusilla gave a fiercely jealous start-- On Simon, eagerly alert, not lost, Brief though it was, and instantly subdued; It was as instantly interpreted-- A welcomed effect, though calculated not. She had recalled what late she overheard Hinted from Felix to the prisoner Paul, "Unless indeed thy pretty countrywoman"-- And construed it as meaning that his eye, Her husband's, had been levying on the maid. "Women are not like men to note such things," Drusilla answered with a frigid air, Yet not as with unwillingness to learn What sequel there might be in Simon's thought. That sequel Simon changed to suit the case He had now created unexpectedly. He would torment Drusilla's jealous mind, And whet her temper to the proper edge For helpful quarrel with that spouse of hers So hateful to him. "Women that are wives," Said Simon, "well might condescend to pay Some heed to such things! But the present need Is to have bribes in hand of the right sort To lavish where occasion may arise When we reach Rome. Try if thou canst not gain This pretty damsel for our purposes. Play patroness to her, have her at court Here--for wherever the true queen is, there Is court, though in a desert--flatter her, And ply her to thy will. Arrived at Rome, Where all is venal yet venal not all for gold, Offer her as likest seems to serve thy cause. There is my scheme for thee; and thy lord will, I doubt not, wink at least to forward it." Simon could not forbear the tempting chance To end, as he began, with what would bait Further Drusilla's flushed and jealous mind. 'Is Simon playing me false in a deep game To serve lord Felix at his wife's expense?' Drusilla wondered; 'would he dare so far? Does he even seek to make a tool of me? Of me, Drusilla, make a pliant tool-- _I_ serve their turn forsooth against myself? Be it so, and let them trow their plotting speeds! I will try to be as simple as they could wish.' In secret with herself she wondered thus; But spoke aloud with cleared and brightened look: "The storm, I see, which I had quite forgot, Thanks to the charms of thy society, Is much abated; let us break our fast, And then go thou and bid her hither to me, That pretty child. Tell her I need her much, For I am deeply sorry for my sins, And think that, with a little guide like her To take me by the hand and lead me right, I could forsake them all and follow with her Henceforward, a true sister in the faith. A little lure of harmless simple hope To win a wicked woman from her ways, I think thou wilt find useful with the maid, If, as is likely, she be loth to come."