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ask John to shelter thee until thou canst care for thyself"

Laodice looked at her without understanding

"Thou canst not stay here for long because the wife to Philadelphus is

in a way a power in my house and she will not suffer it But never

fear; Jerusaleone that it would not enjoy a

pretty stranger"

The curious sense of indignation that possessed Laodice was purely

instinctive Her mind could not sense the actual insult in the Greek's

words

"I would advise you to be kind to Philadelphus"

"But, but--" Laodice cried, struggling with tears and shae withthat I

live in shame with him till it could be proved that I ah all the unpleasantness of wedded life in too delicate a

balance, my friend, I fear there would be little, indeed, that would

escape conde"

Laodice raised her scarlet face to look in wonder at the Greek The

cold s lips dismayed her for a moment

"And thou seest no shame in this?" she faltered

"Thou sayest he is thy husband; why resent it?"

"Dost thou not see--see that--what ah I be married to him thrice over!"