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He was kissing A,

conscious smile She indicated Laodice The Ephesian's face showed

startlement, suspicion and a quick recovery He bowed low and waited

for explanation

"Then I will go," A pretenses for my sake"

[Illustration: Amaryllis the Greek] She turned toward the arch which led into the interior of the house

The pretender glanced again at Laodice and again at the Greek

"What is the play, lady?" he asked

A stony white at her place, and

lost her confident smile

"Is this not he?" she asked

"Is this Philadelphus Maccabaeus?" Laodice asked

The Ephesian's face changed quickly Enlightenment mixed with

discomfiture appeared there for an instant

"I am he," he said evenly

"Then," Laodice said, "I am she whom thou hast expected"

Philadelphus sht

"One always expects the pleasurable," he essayed, "but at tinize it when it comes Who art thou, lady?"

"Pestilence, war and the evil devices of men have desolated me," she

said coldly "I have only a name I am Laodice"

"Laodice!" he repeated amiably "A familiar naain at her and appeared to wait

"I airl repeated, a little disconcerted, "thy wife"

"So!" Philadelphus exclaimed