“Some say,” replied the daughter of Pasicles, “that it was spared out of respect to my dear father, but he modestly refutes this and claims that because of its size and proximity to the city, it was chosen as quarters for Persian officers. Even the altar to Zeus remained unprofaned and the manuscripts, many of them, were just as my father had left them.”
“Although this is indeed a lovely spot, I shall not test your hospitality to the limit. I intend to help rebuild Athens, and soon with the combined efforts of many, there will be homes for all,” said Zopyrus smiling into the girl’s serious face.
“Indeed,” she said, “we shall be delighted to have you with us. My father has spoken very well of you and says you have offered to copy some of his odes for him.”
“That is very small payment in return for lodgment in this miniature paradise,” the youth returned gallantly.
Eumetis laughed and blushed. “Our paradise on earth is a good deal what we make it. True joy comes from within, happiness from without. I have tried to cultivate the spirit of joy, but believe I have failed miserably. With Corinna it is different. She is always gay. Happiness comes to her unasked, so I believe she has a well of joy within her.”
The man and the girl looked in the direction of the fountain to where Polygnotus and Corinna sat together on the edge of the marble basin.
“Polygnotus has been a caller here for some time,” continued Eumetis. “The horrors of recent events have delayed but not altered his purpose.”
“I could wish your sister no greater happiness,” said Zopyrus, “for I admire this artist very much.”
“Yes, Polygnotus is fortunate indeed in possessing the love of the girl whom he admires, but his most intimate friend, Cimon, has not been so successful where affairs of the heart are concerned. He has not seen his sweetheart since he returned from Aegina, and he does not know what fate may have befallen her. She was not among those who fled to Troezen and Salamis.”
“That is truly most sad,” replied Zopyrus with feeling. “It may be that when the city is back again to its normal condition, she will appear. If she loves Cimon she will return to him.”