"The Lady Hellayne is as fearless of death, as yourself, Lady Theodora," Persephoné replied. "Indeed, she seemed rather to desire it, for no woman ever faced you with such defiance as did she when you put before her the fatal choice."
Theodora's face shone ghostly in the nocturnal gloom.
"We shall see! She shall desire death a thousand fold ere she quits the abode I have assigned to her. God! Not even Roxana had dared to say to me what this one did."
"Nor would her shafts have struck so deep a wound," Persephoné interposed with studied insolence.
Theodora's grip tightened round the girl's wrist.
"You admire the Lady Hellayne?" she said softly, but there was a gleam in her eyes like liquid fire.
"As one brave woman admires another!" Persephoné replied fearlessly, turning her beautiful face to the speaker.
"You may require all your courage some day to face another task," Theodora replied. "Beware, lest you tempt me to do what I might regret."
Persephoné turned white. Her bosom heaved. Her eyes met Theodora's.
"I shall welcome the ordeal with all my heart!"