nearly midnight
She glanced toward Caracalla to see if he still slept , and then , with a sigh of relief , beckoned to her friend , and begged him in a whisper to escort her past the staring men . Alexander followed them . Anger and surprise were depicted on his countenance , which was usually so happy . He had come with a report which might very likely induce Caesar to order the release of his father and brother , and his heart had stood still with fear and astonishment when the favorite Theocritus had told him in the anteroom , in a way that made the blood rush into his face , that his sister had been for some time endeavoring to comfort the suffering emperor -- and it was nearly midnight . Quite beside himself , he wished to force his way into Caesar 's presence , but Melissa had at that moment come out and stood in his way , and had desired him and the noble Romans , in such a decided and commanding tone , to lower their voices , that they and her brother were speechless . What had happened to his modest sister during the last few days ? Melissa giving him orders which he feebly obeyed !