As they passed the gateway, Endora, the witch, stood by and gazed at the girl and Chios. The maiden pitied her, and gave her a coin of gold. The old woman looked up, first at Chios; then, turning to Nika, said:
'May the choicest flowers of life ever strew thy pathway, fair lady, and may the goddess—— But stay, I cannot bless thee. I have no power to do so. Would that I could!'
As they passed away, she muttered:
'I cannot even try to bless her; she is accursed of Hecate—I read it too well. Ah, ah, ah! She is like unto me: both are outcasts; she in the heyday of youth and flowing over with wealth, I an old hag and poor as a barren rock, save for this bit of gold. The goddess is no respecter of persons. What can be the sin of this golden-haired beauty? Mine I know. I will unravel hers. Where does she go, I wonder? And with Chios? And he gave her the richest flowers. I will follow far behind. My sight is keen. I will know where she perches.'
So Endora followed, and saw them enter the house of Venusta. The witch accosted a little child.
'Knowest thou the lady of this dwelling, innocent one? I am seeking alms, and would know her name.'
'The lady of the house?' replied the girl.
'Yes, of this one,' pointing with her finger. 'This house,' and she pierced through the eye of the child, who started back with dread. 'Tell me, quickly, who resides within.'
'Venusta, wife of Lucius, the Roman sailor.'
'And who was that fair maid who passed in with the noble Greek?'