much in earnest when I say: The girl is a sweet, good little creature and
will be a faithful and loving wife to you, under God. Or have you left
your heart in Constantinople? Has the Senator Justinus' fair relation.
--But nonsense! You can hardly suppose that that volatile Greek girl..."

Orion clasped her in his arms, and said tenderly, "No, dearest mother,
no. Constantinople lies far, far behind me, in grey mist beyond the
farthest Thule; and here, close here, under my father's roof, I have
found something far more lovely and more perfect than has ever been
beheld by the dwellers on the Bosphorus. That little girl is no match
for a son of our stalwart and broad-shouldered race. Our future
generations must still tower proudly above the common herd in every
respect; I want no plaything for a wife, but a woman, such as you
yourself were in youth--tall, dignified and handsome. My heart goes
forth to no gold-crested wren but to a really royal maiden.--Of what use
to waste words! Paula, the noble daughter of a glorious father, is my
choice. It came upon me just now like a revelation; I ask your blessing
on my union with her!"

So far had Neforis allowed her son to speak. He had frankly and boldly
uttered what she had indeed feared to hear. And so long she had
succeeded in keeping silence!--But now her patience gave way. Trembling
with anger she abruptly broke in, exclaiming, as her face grew crimson:

"No more, no more! Heaven grant that this which I have been compelled
to hear may be no more than a fleeting and foolish whim! Have you quite
forgotten who and what we are? Have you forgotten that those were
Melchites who slew your two dear brothers--our two noble sons? Of what
account are we among the orthodox Greeks? While among the Egyptians and
all who confess the saving doctrine of Eutyches, among the Monophysites