“Tell me,” he said as they gazed across the ivy-covered wall to where the sun’s rays illumined the top of the temple, “is your name really Persephone, or are you so called because of your part in the Mysteries?”
“My parents named me Persephone, hoping even at my birth that some day I would play the part of Persephone in the temple. I have fulfilled their hopes in that respect.”
“You are adorable in the part, little Persephone, and some time a real Pluto will come and carry you off to his realm. If I—that is—sometime—Oh, Persephone, I have no right to say it, but I adore you, and if you will consent to marry me, I will arrange other matters that might interfere.”
“I believe I know the ‘other matters,’ Zopyrus,” said the girl, not daring to meet his gaze. “Eumetis loves you, and there has been some understanding between you. Go to her—but, oh my dear, my dear, how can I stand it—yet I have said it. Go and keep your vows to her. She will make you a good wife.”
“‘A good wife,’” groaned Zopyrus in mental agony. “I don’t want ‘a good wife.’ I want the woman whom I love heart and soul!”
He rose and though weak and unsteady of step he advanced toward her with outstretched arms, but she evaded his touch.
“Think Zopyrus,” she entreated. “Can you not recall your advances of love to Eumetis? They were promises, and must not be broken!”
He stood with head bent upon his breast and hands clenched till the nails pierced his palms. When he looked up his passion-distorted features were calm and his voice was steady.
“You are right. My first duty is the happiness of the pure girl who lost her sister through my neglect. And you Persephone,” his voice and features again showed deep agitation, “do not know that you lost a brother, not through my neglect, but by my intention. Your brother fell at Thermopylæ pierced by my sword! The first time I ever saw you I knew that you were his sister.”
“Phales!” cried the poor girl, raising tear-dimmed eyes to heaven, “my twin brother! Why did your spirit not warn me that this man who dared think of me in love was your murderer!”