For the moment she felt almost sorry for the giant brought down to his knees; the kiss which she so confidently anticipated would of a truth complete his surrender, since she had resolved to make him kiss the dust by suddenly withdrawing her foot from under his lips, and then to laugh at him, and to allow her slaves to laugh and jeer at him as he lay sprawling in the dust, his huge arms lying crosswise on the flagstones before her.
The spirit of mischief was in her, the love to tease a helpless giant; so for the nonce anger almost died out within her and her eyes looked clear and blue as triumph and joy danced within their depths.
But now Taurus Antinor had finished tying her shoe. He did not stoop further nor did he embrace the dust; but he straightened his broad shoulders and raised himself from his knees without rendering that homage which was expected of him.
"Hast further commands for thy servant, O daughter of Cæsar?" he asked calmly.
"None," she replied curtly.
And calling her slaves to her she entered her litter, and drew its curtains closely round her so that she should no longer be offended by his sight.
CHAPTER VII
"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God."—Psalm xiv. 1.