Now the eyes of Venus were covered
with an arm. Out went his hand to feel the shapely marble. It was
warm, and slowly Venus began to move, as did the strains of music, and,
presently, whirled away.
"How beautiful!" he said. "'Tis the magic of a dream."
His eyes were upon the form of Venus, taller than the others and more
nobly fashioned.
"'Tis the great goddess come to earth," said he, turning to Lugar.
The music had ceased. The maidens, save two, had flung themselves upon
rugs and couches. Venus and another were approaching the Roman.
"Daughter of Herod," said he, going to meet her, "I knew you not."
She took his arm and led him to one of the couches.
"You are very stubborn," said she, looking into his eyes. "You had
'business.'"
"So have I. We came here, as I thought, to confer with--with wise men."
"And not with wise women?"
"It may be. I had not learned to look for wisdom where there is
beauty."
"And have I not wisdom? Ah, son of Varro, my mother has taught me many
mysteries. I can read the future and the past.
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