Chapter
7
Of the Veiled Word of Charmion; Of the Passing of Harmachis Into the Presence of Cleopatra; And of the Overthrow of HarmachisIt was night, and I sat alone in my chamber, waiting the moment when, as it was agreed, Charmion should summon me to pass down to Cleopatra. I sat alone, and there before me lay the dagger that was to pierce her. It was long and keen, and the handle was formed of a sphinx of solid gold. I sat alone, questioning the future, but no answer came. At length I looked up, and Charmion stood before me—Charmion, no longer gay and bright, but pale of face and hollow-eyed.
"Royal Harmachis," she said, "Cleopatra summons thee, presently to declare to her the voices of the stars."
So the hour had fallen!
"It is well, Charmion," I answered. "Are all things in order?
