Sardou's Cleopatra — page 264: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

SARDOU’S CLEOPATRA. 249 “Tras,” she whispered, “if he be inclined not to come, then weep, Iras, weep!” When the girl had vanished on her mission, Cleopatra approached Kephren, who still stood - motionless at his post. ‘“Kephren,” she said, looking him full in the eye, “you have always been faithful tome. Will you be faithful still ?” “Others may command, but Cleopatra alone I obey.” : “Would that in were in my power to reward you,” she said, with asad smile. “I shall soon put your loyalty to a severe test.” She then washed her tear-stained face, and, with Charmian’s aid, proceeded to array herself in her most magnificent robes. Scarcely was she ready, when Iras returned with the news that Octavius granted the audience and would be there immediately. “Quick, Charmian,” cried the queen, excitedly, “draw the curtains before the recess where An- tony lies. And, Kephren, approach, and remem- ber well my words. Conceal yourself behind the tapestry there—there, behind that couch,” point- ing to a low divan, strewn with silken cushions. “There will I try to make Octavius sit. Draw Comicbooks:¢