Orondo made similar supplication at the same hour in the Temple of Mars. Though not a demonstrative man, he was careful to observe all the niceties of his position. When with Ildiko, his countenance bespoke contentment; and at some of her witty sallies his face would light up with a rare smile. She was all bustle and excitement, and made heavy demands upon her bridesman, Yermah. Ildiko was neither resentful nor sensitive. When the Dorado took her hand, and begged forgiveness because of his seeming disloyalty, her sympathies went out to him, and she impulsively told him that she honored his choice. She loved Kerœcia too, she said, and hoped that this mutual affection would prove a strong bond between them. Setos was in his glory. He strutted about the city officiously, and assumed a dictatorial manner, in the Council Chambers, which was tolerated in a good-natured way. Setos was also allowed to indulge himself in several flights of fancy not strictly in accordance with facts. With his thumbs in his arm-holes and his conical hat set well back on his head, he unbosomed himself to Rahula, whose adroit flattery now fell upon very willing ears. He was paternal and patronizing to Alcamayn, who was galled almost beyond endurance by what he fancied were the pitying glances of his fellows. Alcamayn angrily told himself that he was not in love with Ildiko; but he was keenly sensible of the fact that a bachelor was not only taxed—he was looked down upon. The jeweler knew that there was no chance for promotion so long as he remained single; but his own vanity and Rahula’s insidious teaching made him hold himself entirely aloof from alliance with any but a pure-blooded Atlantian. His share in the preparations was wholly perfunctory, a situation not lost upon Orondo, whose delicacy deterred him from seeking advice on the nuptial ring and girdle. Alcamayn himself was keenly alert on these very points. When he purposely wandered in where the workmen were putting on the finishing touches, he was so exasperated that he could with difficulty restrain himself. Day by day his irritation grew, fanned by injudicious remarks, insinuations and exaggerated reports of Orondo’s devotion. Divining something of this, Ildiko often inquired concerning him, and sent many messages by Rahula. Now that she was having her own way, she was very amiable to the other woman. Rahula’s sad face, and what Ildiko imagined Alcamayn must suffer, added to her own high spirits. So it was that shallow-brained, selfish Ildiko enjoyed being the center of attraction, and accepted as justly her due the thousand and one courtesies the time and situation showered upon her. Not even a vague suspicion of her lover’s former attachment crossed her mind. * * * * *