“She is Justinian’s daughter. There is no stain on her birth; so if you love her, as I am sure you will, you can marry her without fear.”
“Her father seems rather a terrible old person.”
“He is a scamp, I am afraid. Still, he is a man of good family.”
“How do you know?”
“I have made certain discoveries while in England, and now know more about Justinian than he thinks.”
“Is Helena as charming as she looks?” asked Maurice anxiously.
“Yes,” replied Crispin emphatically. “She is a pure, good woman, and will make you an excellent wife; but you have a rival.”
“Alcibiades?”
“No; Caliphronas.”
“I thought as much,” said Maurice, with a start, remembering the Greek’s jealousy concerning the portrait. “But if he loves Helena, why did he show me her picture, which has been my sole reason for this journey?”