CHAPTER XVII.

  Galatea appeared again immediately, accompanied by a littleround-backed man, who looked much older than his forty-years justified.His wise, but pinched features, piercing eyes, and cunning mouth, madea disagreeable impression on all who observed him.

  Theodora returned his creeping salutation by a slight nod. Galateabegan to paint her eyebrows.

  "Empress," the new-comer began, "I wonder at your courage. If I wereseen here! A moment's rashness would render vain the prudence of nineyears!"

  "But you will not be seen, Petros," said Theodora quietly. "This is theonly hour in which I am secure from Justinian's importunate tenderness.It is his hour of prayer. I must profit by it as much as I can. Godpreserve his piety! Galatea, my wine. What! Surely, thou dost not fearto leave me alone with this dangerous seducer?"

  The old woman left the room with a hateful grin upon her lips, and soonreturned with a jug of sweet heated Chian-wine in one hand, and a cupof honey and water in the other.

  "I could not arrange our meeting in the church as usual, where, in thedark confessional, you look exactly like a priest. The Emperor willcall you before church-time, and you must be thoroughly instructedbeforehand."

  "What is then to be done?"

  "Petros," answered Theodora, leaning comfortably back and sipping thesweet mixture which Galatea now handed to her, "the day has come whichwill reward all our years of patience, and make you a great man."