He bent toward her. The time had come to crown his schemes of high ambition, and the gods had thrown opportunity in his way.
"Was it for me you waited?" he asked boldly. He was prepared for indignation, repulsion, anything except what followed. She dropped her eyes, leaning a trifle away from him.
"And—if it were?" she murmured. He stared an instant, and seized his chance.
"I should thank the gods and you, sweet one, and do my best to show appreciation," he said; and sat down on the couch beside her.
"But it was not!" she cried hastily, and moved farther away. In spite of himself Marius's lips twitched to a smile. As she retreated, he advanced.
"No? But it was I who came!" he said, his keen eyes on her. But her look did not falter. "You waited because the gods willed that I should come to you," he said, speaking rapidly, since she showed signs of nervousness. "And I have come, to plead my love, and to ask yours in return. Once before were we interrupted when I tried to speak; now the chance is mine at last. You shall anoint my door with wolf's fat and rule at my hearth as wife. Your father wishes it—he would be glad to see our love blossom into flower. Say, wilt thou love me, sweet?"
But Varia sprang to her feet, clasping her hands over her ears.
"Love—love!" she cried fretfully. "Nay, I have had enough of love!"
Marius laughed aloud.
"So, thou strange beauty? Maybe, but I have not. And I think there is still something left for thee to learn. Dost remember a game I was to teach thee once—a game which two can play?"