His eyes were upon the form of Venus, taller than the others and more nobly fashioned.
"'Tis the great goddess come to earth," said he, turning to Lugar.
The music had ceased. The maidens, save two, had flung themselves upon rugs and couches. Venus and another were approaching the Roman.
"Daughter of Herod," said he, going to meet her, "I knew you not."
She took his arm and led him to one of the couches.
"You are very stubborn," said she, looking into his eyes. "You had 'business.'"
"So have I. We came here, as I thought, to confer with—with wise men."
"And not with wise women?"
"It may be. I had not learned to look for wisdom where there is beauty."
"And have I not wisdom? Ah, son of Varro, my mother has taught me many mysteries. I can read the future and the past."