a half before noon
Orion 's envoy had been detained a long time at Rufinus ' door the day before ; and she had since learnt from Anubis , who was acquainted with all that took place in Nilus ' office , that Paula 's moneys were to be delivered over to her very shortly , and in all probability by Orion himself . They must then have an interview , and perhaps she might succeed in overhearing it . She knew well how this could be managed ; the only thing was to be on the spot at the right moment . On the morning after the full-moon , at two hours and a half before noon , the little boy whose task it was to feed the feathered messengers in their dove-cote brought her a written scrap , on which Anubis informed her that Orion was about to set out ; but he was not very warmly welcomed , for the hour did not suit her at all . Early in the morning Bishop Plotinus had come to inform Susannah that Benjamin , Patriarch of Alexandria , was visiting Amru on the opposite shore , and would presently honor Memphis with his presence . He proposed to remain one day ; he had begged to have no formal reception , and had left it to the bishop to find suitable quarters for himself and his escort , as he did not wish to put up at the governor 's house . The vain widow had at once pressingly urged her readiness to receive the illustrious guest under her roof : The prelate 's presence must bring a blessing on the house , and she thought , too , that she might turn it to advantage for several ends she just now happened to have in view .