"Sónnica! You!"
"I came to tell you to hasten to the Forum. A messenger from the hostile camp has presented himself at the gates of the city asking to speak to the Elders. The people are gathered in the Forum."
Despite the importance of the news Actæon did not stir. He was transfixed by Sónnica's cold rigidity.
"How long have you been here?"
"Long enough to see how you bade my slave farewell forever!"
She was silent for a moment, then as if impelled by a sentiment stronger than her will, she approached him with flashing eyes and with outstretched hands.
"Did you really love her?" she asked bitterly.
"Yes," he replied, faintly, as if ashamed of the confession. "I know now that I loved her——but I love you also."
They stood motionless, their eyes fixed upon the body which lay between them. It was like a cold intervening wall, suddenly risen and separating them forever.
Actæon was shamed by the grief which his words caused her who had so loved him. Sónnica seemed stunned by his immense deception, and she gazed frigidly at the body of the slave with the eyes of an implacable Nemesis.