, 1875-06-05

sent behaviour. She experienced intense jeal-
ousy,-a jealousy WHICH wounded pride can call
forth In minds of an energetic nature, although
the heart entertains no warmer emotions for
the object. This was also the reason why
she had no angry or revengeful feelings to.
wards her rival; but she grew more and more
implacable towards the Prince.
One day she got information ofa rendezvous
which the Queen and the Prince had appointed.
The Princess hastily secured the assistance of
the BOdy-Guard and some of the Attendants,
who had often experienced the Princes AFRO.
gance. While Arsino6 and Demetrius were
enjoying all happiness Will each other. Princess
Bsrenice suddenly made her appearance, attend
ed with a body of men armede A ~"scene"
could no longer be- avoided. "Kill that
wretch |" was Berenice's order. Arsinoe clang
firmly to the breast of the menaced Prince, pro-
tecting him with her body, and demanding that
her life should be taken first.
Bat Berenice mastered the situation. After
a short struggle the Queen and Prince were
separated; he was killed and she, raving with
anguish, shame and passion, was carried back
to her apartments. From then Berenioe was
sole ruler Arsino6 had nothing to say in
state-affairs.
The old King Philadelphus vas perfectly
enraptured with Berenioe, and her bold deed.
IL ulu oil WudI u0 OOulu W S6CuC0 u0E uHuu y
his son. Euergetes himself visited Oyrene and
there gained the esteem and affection of all
parties, particularly his courageous cousins.
With great tact he avoided Demetrius' mis-
takes; his natural disposition was, however, not
at all bent that way. Bsrenioe soon consented
to the proposed marriage. Euergetes even
succeeded to reconcile Arsino6. and amid gener-
al r~ejoicings the wedding was celebrated, so
that Berenice's fathers last wish was accom-
plished.
In the year 246 before Christ, Euergetes, on.
the death of his father, assembled the throne,
which he continued to hold for q space of IS
years. Shortly after be had assembled the
throne he became engaged in a war with the
King of Syria. Relying on the strength OF
mind which the Queen had showed she prOssesS-
ed, be entrusted the Government to her, and
marched with his army against the enemy.
With perfect confidence Berenice saw him de-
part to fight the warlike Seleucides; but she
made a vow to the Goddess of Love, that she
would present an offering of the most precious
object she possessed, next to her husband If
he returned u%ninjured from this war. Euergetes
returned, not only u~niniured, but victorious he
had even acquired several provinces from the
Syrians, and his return to Alexandra was oele4
brated with great pomp and s%plendor.
In the midst of the brilliant festivities on
that occasion, Berenice suddenly remembered
the VOW she had made. What had she of value
next to her husband, to offer Aphrodite9
Gould she redeem her VOW with the gift of q
ring. q diadem or some precious gem.
The Queen consulted the Chief-P riestess Ia
the temple of Acknowledgements This
Priestsss, Kleonissa, was in her best years, and
not quite Indifferent as to her appearance. She
had a very good beart, but whenever she could
secure some advantage or benefit through her
priestly authority, she never failed to make use
of that authority. She was wise enough never
to compromise herself, hence, she was oonsi-
dered q very respectable lady.
The Queen showed Kleonissa her collection
ofjewels, precious stones, etc., and requested
her to search out the best, and to present it
in the Queens name as an offering on the altar
of the Goddess. Kleonissa had. however, no.
ticed that the Queen had most beautiful head
of hair, so handsome. that she could not re.
member ever having seen the like.
Kleonissa examined all the Queens jewels,
but could not forget the beautiful head of hair.
If only I had such hair she thought to herself;
and she had no mind or eye for the precious
things around her. For, her own head was
very s~oantily supplied: her hair was very
thin, the 2laits quite short in a word-Kleon.
issa was 10 a position to invent or at all events
to make very good use of a modern Chagn0D.
While looking at the Queens collection Of
handsome things. she suddenly got q good idea.
and at once returned to the Queen.
Have You made no choice yet, worthy
Kleonissa :" enquired the Queen.