“... Far in the east The Aegean twinkles, and its thousand isles Hover in mist, and round the dun horizon Are many floating visions, clouds, or peaks, Tinted with rose!” James Gates Percival.
The second day of the full moon arrived. All necessary preparations had been made for the marriage ceremony of Eumetis and Zopyrus which would take place on the following day.
Corinna approached her mother as the latter stood near the altar of Zeus, in conversation with the prospective bride and bridegroom.
“Mother,” said the girl. “I have just learned that my dear friend Gorgo is ill and wishes me to go immediately and spend the night with her. I will be back for the wedding tomorrow.”
Cleodice’s eyes shone with maternal approval as she surveyed the eager, youthful face so like her own.
“What will Polygnotus say?” asked Eumetis.
“Oh he will recover from the effects of one evening spent outside of my presence,” replied her sister indifferently.
Zopyrus stood silently by. He had been grievously disappointed and shocked at Corinna’s duplicity, and had hoped that before the fateful day arrived she would repent of her former decision and abandon the proposed trip to Naxos with the stranger. However her present conversation with Cleodice assured him that she hung tenaciously to her original purpose.
“By all means spend the night with your sick friend, Corinna,” said a voice from the entryway, and turning the four beheld the young artist who had heard the conversation unobserved by the others.
Zopyrus greeted Polygnotus heartily. He thought at first to apprise him secretly of Corinna’s proposed trip to Naxos, but upon second thought he decided that there might be a better way of preventing the girl from committing such a folly without grieving her lover. The deep sincere eyes of the artist rested a moment in loving regard upon the face of Corinna who flushed deeply, turning demurely away. Her mother and sister each placed an arm lovingly about her, and the three women left the atrium.
When they were gone Polygnotus turned enthusiastically to Zopyrus and said: “I have good news! Cimon has just been made commander of the fleet, and is contemplating visiting Sparta with Alcmæon in behalf of the alleged confederacy.”