a moment I must just prepare them and get the rooms slightly
cleared. I will return to you presently."

She glided away with her usual noiseless grace, and within a few
minutes of her departure the gay crowds began to fall back against
the walls and disperse themselves generally in expectant groups
here and there, the Egyptian servants moving in and out and
evidently informing them of the entertainment in prospect.

"Well, I shall stay here," said Dr. Dean, "underneath this
remarkable stone carving of your warrior-prototype, Monsieur
Gervase. You seem very much abstracted. I asked you before if you
were not well; but you never answered me."

"I am perfectly well," replied Gervase, with some irritation. "The
heat is rather trying, that is all. But I attach no importance to
that stone frieze. One can easily imagine likenesses where there
are really none."

"True!" and the Doctor smiled to himself, and said no more. Just
then a wild burst of music sounded suddenly through the apartment,
and he turned round in lively anticipation to watch the
proceedings.

The middle of the room was now quite clear, and presently, moving
with the silent grace of swans on still water, came four girls
closely veiled, carrying quaintly-shaped harps and lutes. A Nubian
servant followed them, and spread a gold-embroidered carpet upon
the ground, whereon they all sat down and began to thrum the
strings of their instruments in a muffled, dreamy manner, playing