Chapter I: Preface

The background and details of this story have been carefully authenticated. The founding of the colony Inessa, however, is not an actual event. It is the union of a number of colony traditions. It is therefore correct in character and spirit.

The tale was written at the MacDowell Colony at Peterborough, New Hampshire, and I am constantly mindful of the inspiration given to me by the beautiful and solitary surroundings in which I there worked.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

BOOK I

_At the Pythian Festival_

I. DRYAS WINS THE PRIZE 1

II. PARENTAL JUSTICE 10

BOOK II

_A Childhood in Delphi_

III. THERIA, SEVEN YEARS OLD 19

IV. ELEUTHERIA LOOKS OUT OF A WINDOW 26

V. THE TRADITIONS OF THE HOUSE 34

VI. THE GUESTS 45

VII. WHAT GIFTS THE GUESTS BROUGHT 51

VIII. DRYAS TAKES A ROBBER 57

IX. LAUREL FROM TEMPÈ 62

X. A BOY CALLED SOPHOCLES 69

XI. WHY NOT BE THE PYTHIA? 78