“But if you will take it,” pleaded Theria, “I will send out your slave to buy a little living bird for you, a linnet in a cage.”
Aristonikè uncovered her eyes. “Will it sing?”
“Ah, how it will sing! high and low and chittery. But you must awake early in the morning for then it will sing best.”
As Theria talked she fed her the milk and Aristonikè sipped it before she knew.
They were still at this when the old dame Tuchè appeared.
“Mistress Theria here! What are you doing in this room?”
“You see what I am doing!” Theria answered.
“You are to keep your own room. I supposed you knew that.”
Theria rose in alarm.
“Have I broken the ritual? Oh, I hope I have not broken it.”