CHAPTER XXIX
MYRTLE AND OLEANDER
'Varro, goest thou to the Temple to-day?' said Nika.
'Yes, dearest; Chios is to receive the golden crown and freedom of this city.'
'I trust those honours will sit lightly on him.'
'Fear not, Nika. He is very stolid. Really, I do not know what has come to him.'
'I do,' said she laughingly; 'he is in love.'
'Nonsense! Nothing of the kind. He would never trouble about such a thing.'
'How knowest thou?'
'How do I know? Well, really, I cannot answer thee, but thou must know if a man loves there must be something to love. Chios is a confirmed bachelor. I believe he almost hates women; that is to say, as far as making himself a lover. I never even knew him to commit the crime of a weak flirtation.'