'Thanks, Varro, thanks. Thou art right in being silent.'
'Farewell, noble man; I leave thee to thy fate. It will do thee justice. Farewell, farewell, Chios!'
When the Roman had gone, and Chios was alone, the pent-up feelings of the Greek broke loose.
'No,' cried he, 'I will never betray Saronia! A thousand deaths, but not that! She knows; she understands! When I die for her I can do nothing greater. She will feel lonely, but love me more intensely.'
Varro went directly to Nika, and told her of his visit.
'Fool!' said she. 'Let him die! If he count not his life worth having, why then should we trouble?'
'Nay, child, do not be so rash,' said Venusta. 'Do not speak so lightly of his fate. We do not know all. Chios is never the man to act without great reason. He will weigh all consequences.'
'Well, well; I will see him myself as a last effort,' said the girl. 'May I, Varro?'