name,” said Callias, “and say that I come from the magistrates on an important matter of business.” The lad invited him to enter, and to take a seat in a small chamber which looked upon the central court of the andronitis, a grass plot, bordered on all sides by myrtle and orange. In a few minutes he returned, and invited the visitor to follow him. Callias crossed the court and passed through the door which led into the women’s apartment. Hippocles, it should be said, was accustomed to see visitors on business in the front or men’s portion of the dwelling, but spent his leisure time in the rooms assigned to his daughter. The two had just taken their places at the table, Hippocles reclining on a couch, Hermione sitting on a chair by his right hand, so that his face was turned towards her.[13] The steward had placed the first dish on the table, and was standing in front, with Hippocles’ personal attendant behind him. The latter at a sign from his master, prepared a place for the new-comer.

[Pg 34]

Hippocles saluted his guest in a most friendly fashion, and Hermione gave him her hand with a charming smile, though the moment afterwards tears gathered in her eyes, when she remembered the last occasion on which they had met.

Plan of a large Grecian House, probably more pretentious than the House of Hippocles.

1. Main Door. 2. Entrance Passage. 3. Central Court of the Men’s part of the house (Andronitis). 4. 4. 4. Various Rooms of the Andronitis. 5. Passage connecting the Andronitis with the Gynæconitis (Women’s Apartments). 6. Court of the Gynæconitis. 7. 7. 7. Various rooms of the Gynæconitis. 8. The Prostas—a hall opening from 6. 9. 9. Apartments probably used as a family bedroom and sitting room. 10. 10. Rooms for looms and woolen manufacture.

[Pg 35]

[Pg 35]

“If the business will wait for half-an-hour,” said the host, “postpone it for so long. I have had a long day’s work, and shall be scarcely myself till I have eaten. And you—doubtless you have dined before this; but you will take a cup with us.”

As a matter of fact Callias had not dined, though in the excitement of the day’s business he had almost forgotten food. A hasty meal snatched on board the trireme which had brought him to Athens had been his only refreshment since the morning.

“Nay, sir, but I have not dined; unless you call some five or six dried anchovies and a hunk of barley bread, 

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