"Very. And the name of the ancient pal—I mean the name of our old house on the island of Naxos was Thalassa!—You remember the Ten Thousand?"
"Yes. Your house overlooked the sea?"
"The Ægean! You enter from the landward lawn, advance toward the portico—and suddenly, through the marble corridor, a sheet of azure! Thalassa!"
I said slowly: "Little white goddess of Naxos with hair like the sun and eyes of Ægean blue, why have you sent for me to come to your chamber at midnight?"
Thusis looked at me and her happy smile faded.
"To ask one question," she said very gravely, "and to answer one—if you ask it."
"Ask yours, first."
"What did that dreadful Princess say to you and to Mr. Smith after I left the room?"
I told her what had passed.
"What!" she cried fiercely, clenching her hands. "Tino had the impudence to offer her Naxos as a bribe!"