Cleopatra watched her curiously. Presently she said:
"Will you let me have a sheet of your paper? I wish to write a letter to Mark Antony."
"Certainly," said Mrs. Kenyon, regarding her with pity and sympathy.
The other seated herself and wrote rapidly, in an elegant feminine hand, which surprised Mrs. Kenyon. She did not know that the poor lady had once been classical teacher in a prominent female seminary, and that it was a disappointment in love which had alienated her mind and reduced her to her present condition.
"Shall I read you the letter?" she enquired.
"If you like."
It was a very well written appeal to her imaginary correspondent to hasten to her and restore her to her throne.
"I thought," said Mrs. Kenyon cautiously, "that Mark Antony died many centuries ago."
"Quite a mistake, I assure you. Who could have told you such nonsense, Claudia?" demanded Cleopatra sharply.
"You are quite sure, then?"