‘That was clearly impossible,’ said Cypros.
‘Well, we must be seen at last,’ said the lady. ‘Heigho! I never shall be able to receive them, if my heart beat so.’
‘I would let them wait a few days, sweet lady,’ said Cypros, ‘and then you would get more used to them.’
‘I shall never be more used to them. Besides, it is rude and inhospitable not to see them. Yesterday there was an excuse: they were wearied, or I had a right to suppose they were, with their travelling; and to-day, there ought to be an excuse for not receiving them to-day. What is it, Cypros?’
‘I dare say they will be quite content, if to-day you fix the time when you will receive them, sweet lady.’
‘But I shall not be content, Cypros. Having seen them once, I wish to see them again, and one cannot always be walking by accident in the gallery.’
‘Then I would see them to-day, sweet lady. Shall I send for the noble Keferinis?’
‘I wish I were Cypros, and you were—— Hark! what is that?’
‘’Tis only the antelope, sweet lady.’
‘I thought it was—— Now tell me, my Cypros, which of these two princes do you think is he who is one of us?’