Hypatia

Chapter 25

SEEKING AFTER A SIGN

'What answer has he sent back, father?' asked Hypatia, as Theon re- entered her chamber, after delivering that hapless letter to Philammon.

'Insolent that he is! he tore it to fragments and tied forth without a word.'

'Let him go, and desert us like the rest, in our calamity!'

'At least, we have the jewels.'

'The jewels? Let them be returned to their owner. Shall we defile ourselves by taking them as wages for anything--above all, for that which is unperformed?'

'But, my child, they were given to us freely. He bade me keep them; and--and, to tell you the truth, I must keep them. After this unfortunate failure, be sure of it, every creditor we have will be clamouring for payment.'

'Let them take our house and furniture, and sell us as slaves, then. Let them take