CHAPTER XXV - CAUTION

Her inhuman exultation over, Lais turned her attention to the consideration of the next advisable step. Events were moving more rapidly than anticipated, unforeseen developments were carrying the action beyond the limits of her own carefully prepared scheme, and caution was needed to avoid unpleasantness. More than ever now, the one great and dangerous uncertainty for which she had to prepare was Glarces. The effect produced upon him by the elixir had disturbed all her calculations. She was not unlearned in the use of philtres. In anticipation of her present move she had experimented more than once, and become skilled in the use of different doses. Glarces was not easily moved, and experience told her the whole contents of the usual phial would not more than serve her purpose even after the preparation of a cup of wine. She failed at the moment to recall the mysterious bearing of Zillah on her return from Meshrac, and had no idea that she had induced him to give her a potion of triple strength in order to make sure of her triumph over Casca. It was from this counter-plotting device that the difficulty of Lais arose, surcharging the whole atmosphere with a danger against which she could not satisfactorily arm herself.

Was Vedrona really dead? She stooped to assure herself of the fact. Yes! that was beyond all doubt. And sickening at sight of the blood she turned aside, burying her face in her hands. Was it a case of murder or suicide? She returned again to the body, and drawing aside the curtains which half concealed it saw the handle of the knife she knew to have been in Glarces' possession only a short time before. She breathed more freely. That silent witness afforded a wonderful relief, and indicated an immediate course of action.

It was not for her to seek, at present, for the why and wherefore of the deed. Enough that Glarces had done it. He would therefore hide himself in his room or elsewhere until the morning, and so far she was safe.

She, too, must retire unobserved, and leave it to others to discover the tragedy. In her own rooms she would be able to think out a plan and prepare to meet the two men she had most reason to mistrust - Teresh and Zachra - by whom she was already more suspected than respected.

With this she stepped boldly into the corridor and reached her own apartments, which she entered noiselessly by a private door beyond the hearing of the slaves. Then, loosing the braiding of her hair, she shook it free, touched the chime, and threw herself upon her couch.

As the surprised slaves entered she appeared to be rousing from a slumber.

“Do you know if I have slept since I returned?” she enquired.

“We did not know you were here, O Princess,” answered Zosine, apologetically.

“I came by the other way - I was so weary. O dear, I think I must have slept. Do you know if the Prince has returned?”

“Yes, lady.Orasus told me he was back some time ago, and went at once to see the Princess Vedrona.”

“I am glad to hear that. He was really so tired when I left him that I thought he would remain in the grotto till morning.”

“I think something vexed him afterwards.” “Vexed the Prince, Zosine?”