Stephanus opened it and read:
“Domitia to her Steward. I must speak with you at once, this instant”
“I will come,” said Stephanus, with a side glance at Lycoris. “The messenger can say, that I am close behind him. And now, Lycoris—I cannot wait—I promise you....”
“Well, what?”
“All—everything,” he said in utter bewilderment, “only give me time to breathe.”
They went together out of the cell, and Stephanus himself locked the door; then he seized Lycoris by her wrist and his eyes had a sinister roll.
“I beg of you,” he said, “take my place with my guests.”
“Certainly,” she replied. “But you—do not forget.”
“Serpent!” he snarled between his teeth as he hastily quitted the room.
Domitia received him with unwonted ceremony, and in that same rose-colored room into which she had once before admitted him. She was handsomer than ever.