The contempt of her tone astounded even Urgis.
“Tell Oltis that I believe it not. Tell him I will not yield. Tell him I will lift my voice until I arouse this sluggish Atlantis!”
Hellen’s heart beat wildly. What strength was hers thus to speak. Besides, how rich and soft was her voice with all its agitation. How exalted her look!
She resumed more calmly, and in most loving tone:
“Now, Cousin Urgis, I will withdraw to the palace, and take with me this maiden.” And she looked at Æole reassuringly.
“Never! Here wilt thou stay. And speak not again, else worse will come upon thee.”
She took Æole’s hand, and whispered: “Speak for thyself.”
Æole glanced upward at the frowning Urgis. The look was of such effect that he said gently:
“Is it thy will to speak, Æole of Pelasgia?”
To Hellen’s astonishment, she implored, in tones almost as firm as Electra’s: