The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1889-11-07

ter Hall, or which the roof Is GpDornc BY
columns Of black marble, we sas;ed. For
beyond was the private chamber Of Cleo
patra, even the same wherein had seen her
sleeping.
..Ablde thou here,' she said, .while tell
Cleopatra OF thy coming" and she glided
from my side.
For long stood, mayhap in all for half IN
hour, counting my own heart beats and, as
IN q dream, striving to gather up my
strength to that which lay before me.
At length came Charmion back, her head
held low and walking heavily.
Cleopatra waits thee" she said, pass
on, there is no guard"
.sWhere do meet thee when what must
BE- done is donea" asked, hoarsely.
Thou meetest me here, aud then to
Paulus. Be firm and prosper. Fare thee
we'll"
And 80 l went; but at the curtain !
turned suddenly, and there in the midst Of
that lonely lamp-lit hall saw strange
sight. Far away, in such fashion that the
light struck full upon her, stood Charmion,
her head thrown back, her white arms out
stretched - though to clasp, and on her
girlish face q stamp Of anguished passion
so terrible to behold that indeed can not
tell it! For she believed that /. whom she
loved, was passing to my death, and this was
her last farewell to me.
But Of this matter l knew naught; 30
with another passing pangof wonder drew
aside the curtains, gained the doorway and
stood within Cleopatra's chamber. And
there, upon silkcn couch at the far end OF
the perfumed chamber, clad in wonderful
white attire. rested Cleopatra. In her hand
was jeweled fan Of ostrich plumes, where
with she gently famed herself, and by her
side was her harp Of ivory, and little table
wherein were iigs and goblcts and flask
Of ruby-colored wine. Slowly drew near
through the soft dim light to where in all
her glowing beauty lay the wonder Of the
world. And, indeed, never have seen her
look 80 fair ~ she did upon that fatal night.
Couchcd in her amber cushions she seemed
to shine rs star on the fwliight's glow.
Prom her hair and robes came perfume,
from her lips fell music, and in her heaven
~ eyes all lights changed and gathered as
in the ominous opal's disk.
And this was the woman whom must
slay!
Slowly I drew near, bowling as came
but she took no heed. She lay there, and
the ieweled fan floated to and fro like the
bright wing OF some lowering bird.
At length I stood before her, and she
glanced up, the ostrich plumes pressed
against her breast as though TO hide Ii
beauty.
"Whati friend, art thou comet" she said
"'Tis well; for ! grew lonely here. Nay
tits weary world! We know 90 many
faces, and 30 few there are whom we love
to see again. Well, stand not there *
mute, but be seated" And she pointed
with her fan to q calven chair that wal
placed nigh to her feet.
Once more bowed and took the seat.
II have obeyed the Queens DESIRE"
said, land with much care and skill WORKED
out the lessons Of the stars; and here is tn,
record OF my labor. II the Queen permits
will expound 1t to her." And ! rose, II
order that l might pass round the coucl
and, as she read, stab her in the back.
"Nay, Harmachis." she said quietly, ant
with slow and lovely smile. ssBide tho,
where thou art, and give mo the writing
By Scraps! thy face Is too comedy for M
| to wish to lose the sight Of itr'
Checked In this my design, could d
naught but hand her the papyrus, thinking
| to myself that Is she read would arts,
suddenly and plunge the dagger to he
heart. She took it, and, - she did 90
touched my hand. Then she made pretens
/ to read. But no word did she read, for
saw that her eyes were liked upon me owe
| the edge Of the scroll.
HWhy placest thou thy hand within tn,
robce" she asked presently; for. indeed,
clutched the dsgger's hilt. us thy hear
stirredl"
~ ca, o Queen" said, "it beats high.
She gave no answer, but once more mad
pretense to read, and the while she watches
me.
took counsel with myself. How shoul,
do the hateful deed! IL / flung mysel
upon her now she would see me and scream
and struggle. Nay, must wait chance.
1.-THE auguries are favorable, then, Har
machiss" she said at length, though thi
she must have guessed at
| "Yes, o Queen" answered.
"'Tis we'll" and she cast the writing OF
the marble. 1.-THE ships shall sail. For
good or bad, am weary Of weighing
| chances"
'.rhis is q heavy matter, o Queen"
said. II had wished to show upon wha
circumstance base my forecast
may, not 90, Harmachis; have wearicl
Of the ways Of stars. Thou hast prophesied
that is enough for me; for, doubtless, being
honest, thou hast written honestly. There