"I should like a room alone," said Mrs. Kenyon, glancing at Cleopatra, who was sitting on the side of the bed listening to the conversation.
"I am sorry that I can't grant that request," said the doctor. "The fact is, my establishment is too full to give anyone a single room."
"But you won't keep me in the same room with a----"
"What do you call me?" interrupted Cleopatra angrily. "Do you mean to say I am crazy? You ought to feel proud of having the Queen of Egypt for a room-mate. I will make you the Mistress of the Robes."
All this was ludicrous enough, considering the shabby attire of the self-styled queen, but Mrs. Kenyon did not feel in a laughing humor. She did not reply, but glanced meaningly at the door.
"I am sure you will like Cleopatra," he said, adding, with a wink unobserved by the Egyptian sovereign, "she is the only sane person in my establishment."
Cleopatra nodded in a tone of satisfaction.
"You hear what he says?" she said, turning to Mrs. Kenyon.
The latter saw that it was not wise to provoke one who would probably be her room-mate.
"I don't object to her," she said; "but to anyone. Give me any room, however small, so that I occupy it alone."
"Impossible, my dear madam," said her keeper decisively. "I can assure you that Cleopatra, though confined here for political reasons," here he bowed to the royal lunatic, "never gives any trouble, but is quite calm and patient."
"Thank you, doctor," said Cleopatra. "You understand me. Did you forward my last letter to Mark Antony?"
"Yes, your Majesty. I have no doubt he will answer it as soon as his duties in the field will permit."
"I think he is heading an expedition somewhere in Asia Minor."
"Very well," nodded Cleopatra. "As soon as a letter comes, send it to me."
"At once," said the doctor. "You must look after this lady, and cheer her up."
"My name used to be Conrad. You may call me that."
She shrank from wearing the name of the man who had confined her in this terrible asylum.
"That isn't classical. I will call you Claudia--may I?"
"You may call me anything you like," said Mrs. Kenyon wearily.
"When will you send me the paper and ink?" she asked.
Ten minutes later, writing materials were brought. Anxious to do something which might lead to her release, she sat down and wrote letters to two gentlemen of influence with whom she was acquainted, giving the details of the plot which had been so successfully carried out against her liberty.