“Say not his name in such tone,” urged Electra. “He hath been very good to us.”
“His serpent self, then. I believe he is half serpent.”
“It is because of his dress, and his manner of moving and speeding,” interposed Æole. “But his voice is fine and rich in kind tones, and his eyes speak good. Though let us not talk of him now. Tell us of the queen.”
“She hath been sick through the day. None have seen her save the ladies Rica and Elna. They are in sore trouble. Ah, how my blood doth heat!”
“Of a truth thou lookest in a fever,” said Electra. “But calm thyself, for the air surgeth much about us.”
He smiled. Electra continued:
“Ah, the poor queen! How fond is her heart; yet she hath but a stone in the king!”
It was Hellen’s turn. “Electra, thou speakest to be heard—in thy warmth. We must have a care. The air surgeth, and in it there are ears. Thus it is wise to keep cool, and speak low.”
Good was it to hear Electra laugh.
“Ah, Hellen, but thou hast the last. Though for this time—alone.”