In answer to his invitation, the Count entered smiling, and laid the picture on the desk before Maurice.
“You must not be angry with me, my friend,” he said volubly; “I am like a child, and grow bad-tempered over nothing. This Helena is nothing to me, and, to prove this, I give you her portrait, which I do not care to keep. Come, am I forgiven?”
“Of course you are,” said Roylands hastily; “and I will not deprive you of your picture.”
“No, no, I do not want it back,” replied Caliphronas, spreading out his hands in token of refusal; “you love the face, so keep it by all means.”
“She is very beautiful,” said Maurice, gazing longingly at this modern Helen.
“Is she worth a journey to the East?” asked Caliphronas in a soft voice, like the sibilant hiss of a serpent.
Maurice made no reply; he was looking at the portrait.
CHAPTER X.
A MODERN IXION.
Oh, beware
Of a snare!