"Pshaw! what nonsense is this?"
"I did not make the story, my lord; more than one says so."
"Let those in this house beware of ever saying it again then, unless they are fond of being scourged." And Magas turned away. He was but half satisfied, however. He remembered the meeting with the bishop, as he had afterward discovered him to be. He knew, too, that Lady Damaris was accounted a Christian, and that Chione always shrank from naming her. The Christians had a great name for magic: but Dionysius and the Lady Damaris were of the highest families. Magas paced for many hours the sacred grove to which he had wandered, then suddenly betook him to the bishop's residence.
He was admitted, courteously received; but it was some time before he returned the bishop's greeting. Dionysius waited his pleasure with the courtesy for which he was remarkable.
At length Magas said: "I cannot think you have done it."
"Done what, my son?"
"Bewitched Chione; made her mad."
"Is Chione ill?"
"She is very ill, she is raving and insensible by turns."
"Your words seemed just now to imply I was concerned in her illness."