"They will praise you for sacrificing your royal state for your lover," answered Mrs. Kenyon, who was quick-witted, and readily understood the warped mind she had to deal with.
"Then I will be content," said Cleopatra,evidently pleased with the suggestion, "if you think Antony will approve."
"There is no doubt of it. He will love you better than ever."
Cleopatra reclined upon the straw, and was soon in a profound slumber. Mrs. Kenyon was longer awake. She was anxious and troubled, but at length she, too, yielded to sleep.
She awoke to find old Nancy bending over her.
"Don't be frightened, honey," she said; "but the old doctor is ridin' straight to the door. Don't you move or say a word, and I'll send him off as wise as he came."
Nancy had scarcely got downstairs and drawn the ladder after her, when the smart tap of a riding-whip was heard on the outer door.
Mrs. Kenyon trembled in anxious suspense.