CHAPTER XVIII
GATHERING MORE THREADS
The next morning Nikander returned to his home. He retired at once to rest after his journey. Theria met him as he came forth again from his room in the late afternoon. It was plain that no sleep had been his. He was haggard. There was something in his face which cut Theria to the heart. She put herself directly in his path.
“Father,” she said, “I know your trouble. Do not hide it from me. You think I cannot help you, but, oh, let me try.”
The love outgoing from her face and from the little trembling gesture of her hand—these he could not choose but see.
“You say a great deal when you say that you know all about my trouble,” he smiled.
“Don’t laugh at me, please. I am a grown woman. I am sixteen years old.”
“What is it you want to know, child?”
“About the Persians,” she said breathlessly. She was daring the question now. What a fool she felt herself to be! “If they’re really coming against only Athens and Sparta couldn’t the other states stand aside—and keep out of it—wouldn’t it be best?”
His face went black.
“Theria, who has been talking to you?” he demanded.