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And into the midst of this dismayed throng rushed Orpheus, the son of Karnis, who had been till now on guard on the roof, crying out: "The world is coming to an end, the heavens are opening! Father where is my father?" And everyone believed him; they snatched off their garlands, tore their hair and gave themselves up to the utmost despair.
Karnis drew a deeper breath, for here the air was clear and balmy; a light northerly breeze brought the refreshing fragrance of the sea, and the slender palm-trees that bordered the canal threw long shadows mingling with the massive shade of the sycamores.
She had heard Karnis speak of Plato, and knew by heart some axioms of his doctrine, and she had always thought of the sage as a young man; but in advanced age, she fancied, he might have looked like Eusebius. Aye, and it would have well beseemed this old man to die, like the great Athenian, at a mirthful wedding-feast.
It will be all over then with singing, and laughter, and amusement. Now you know the truth, and if you are wise you will keep out of his way till we leave Alexandria; and that will be as soon as possible, if you listen to reason, Karnis." She spoke with such earnest conviction that Dada remained silent with downcast eyes, and Karnis sat up to think the matter over.
The old lady had, from the first, been predisposed in his favor, for she had read in the stars last night that the day was to bring her a fortunate meeting. Her wish was law, and Karnis could not help smiling when she addressed her son, whose hair had long been grey and who looked fully competent to manage his own household, as "my child," not hesitating to scold and reprove him.
This was but natural, as she was at the head of the Christian women of Alexandria, while the household of Porphyrius though the master himself had been baptized was as thoroughly heathen as any in Alexandria. Karnis heard nothing of all this, for he came last of the party. Orpheus and Agne followed next to Herse and the steward, and after them came two slaves, carrying the lutes and pipes.
Messala, and the great Gothic captains Fraiut and Generid are ready to fight for the old gods. Our army will not lack leaders..." "Our army!" exclaimed Karnis in surprise. "Is the matter so far advanced?" "I mean the army of the future," cried Olympius enthusiastically. "It does not count a man as yet, but is already distributed into several legions.
Orpheus sympathized in his wrath which reached its climax when, on looking for two statues, of Demeter and of Pallas Athene, of which Karnis had spoken to his son as decorating the gateway of one of the finest houses in the city, they beheld instead, mounted on the plinths, two coarsely-wrought images of the Lamb with its Cross.
"No, noble lady." "But how then that prudent saint generally selects her guests, and those that are not baptized . . ." "She certainly sheltered heathens on this occasion." "I am much surprised. Tell me how it happened." "We were at Rome," began Karnis, "and my patron there persuaded Marcus, Mary's son, to take us on board his ship at Ostia.
Dada laughed with delight, wiped away her tears, flung her arms round the musician's neck and kissed his brown cheeks, exclaiming: "You are the best of them all! Make haste, and Agne shall come too; she must see something of the city." But Agne preferred to remain on board, so Karnis and Dada set out together.
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