"Then you mean to try again, fairest Theodora?" came the insidious, purring reply.
"That is as I choose!"
"It shall be as I choose."
"What do you mean, fairest Roxana?"
"I mean to conquer him—to make him mine—to steep his senses in so wild a delirium that he shall forget his God, his garb, his honor. And, when I have done with him, I shall send him to the devil—or to you, fairest Theodora—to finish, what I began. This to prove you a vain boaster, who has failed to make good every claim you have put forth—"
Theodora was very pale. In her voice there was an unnatural calm as she turned to the other woman.
"You have boasted, you will make this austere pilgrim your own, body and soul—you will cast the tatters of his soiled virtue at my feet. I did not desire him. But now"—her eyes sank into those of the other woman, "I mean to have him,—and I shall—with you, fairest Roxana, and all your power of seduction against me! I shall have him—and when I have done with him, not even you shall desire him—nor that other, whom you serve—"
Both women had risen to their feet and challenged each other with their eyes.
"By the powers of darkness, you shall not!" Roxana returned, pale to the lips.
"Take him from me—if you can!" Theodora flashed. "I shall conquer you—and him!"