'This for the Roman. Eternity for Chios—the fading flowers for Varro!'
On a golden plate begemmed with emeralds she placed them, and went forth from the Golden Room bearing the charmed wine.
'Drink!' said Nika. 'Drink joy to the house of Venusta and Lucius!'
And they pledged themselves in Ionian wine.
CHAPTER XXIV
THE MINSTREL
Chios sat lazily in his studio. Work he could not; something had come over him—an influence unseen hovered near. He was not sad, nor was he joyous. There was a deep quiet reigning such as he had never before experienced. He seemed to be moving into a new faith; a serenity of softest light lingered around his spirit—a mild delight into which one would sink until it blossomed into ecstatic joy.
The light streamed through the open doorway, and fell into the shadows which dwelt behind the marble pillars.
He heard soft strains from a distant lyre, and they sweetly moved his soul. The melody of song floated on the evening breeze. He arose from his seat, and followed the strains down between the sweet-scented myrtles to the entrance-gate.
There was a poor emaciated minstrel, singing for bread. The heart of Chios was touched; he beckoned to the man, and brought him within and set food before him.