“The Lady Angeliké is anxious for her marriage, and knows that her sister must be married first,” said Parthenios shrewdly. “Friend, give me leave to visit the young man on your behalf. He has a pleasing face, and the English always tell the truth. If he is not already betrothed to some maiden of his own nation—” Prince Christodoridi’s face fell at the suggestion of this possibility—“let me see if we cannot find some way of getting out of the difficulty with honour to both of you and happiness to my goddaughter.”
“You will let him escape, thick-headed one,” growled Prince Christodoridi; “or at least he will knock you down and run away while you are rubbing your head and picking yourself up. Plague take you, girl! What are you standing there staring about for?” Narkissos had again made a motion to rise as Angeliké appeared in the doorway, but she waved him back and stood looking keenly round, trying to pierce the shadows with her eyes.
“Forgive me, lord,” she answered meekly. “My mother was asking for Danaë, and sent me to seek her. I have looked for her everywhere, and I thought she must be here.”
“Well, she is not here,” said Parthenios hastily, rising with unwonted agility. “You will let me speak with the youth, friend Agesilaos? A boat from his ship is to fetch him at nine o’clock, so there is no time to lose.”
“Give Kyrios Parthenios the key of the rock dungeon, Angeliké,” said the Prince, and Angeliké went to where the keys hung on the wall. A frightened exclamation came from her, and the whole bunch fell to the floor. She picked it up and brought it to her father.
“I—I am not sure which is the key, lord,” she faltered.
“Why, it is not here!” cried Prince Christodoridi. “What have you done with it, girl?”
“I, lord? I have not left my mother all the evening. Why should I take the key?” sobbed Angeliké, with ready tears.
“The Lady Danaë came in and took it away about a quarter of an hour ago,” said Narkissos with conviction, coming to the help of his betrothed. Prince Christodoridi rose, and put back Parthenios Chalkiadi with a powerful hand.
“Come all of you, friends, if you will—or rather, I request it as a favour. You will justify me, if such a thing is needed, for the girl must be shameless. If the man still refuses to marry her, she has brought her death upon herself.”