ame with his legion, which is that one sent hither by the proconsul
AEtius of Gaul, at the request of the governors of the cities to drive
out the barbarians from Britannia Secunda. And that was nine months
ago," his father explained.

"So; I see. It was gallant work of gallant men," said the old man with
effusion. The soldier shrugged his broad shoulders in an indifference
half contemptuous. "And thou hast remained in Britain since thy comrades
sailed back to Gaul?"

"The commander left certain men to guard against further outbreak," the
father of Marius explained, patiently. "And my son is of that number.
But the trouble seems thoroughly subdued, and they have been ordered to
return to Gaul."

"I have applied for leave by the physicians' orders, having been wounded
during the affair," said Marius. "Myself I know that I am fit for
service, but I am constrained--" Again he shrugged. "A campaign hath
been started in Gaul against the Huns who threaten us, and you may guess
if I like the prospect of missing it. Until my leave is granted, I am
here to make arrangements for a vessel for my cohort. After, I shall
remain for some weeks; it is long since my father and I have been
together."

"And those weeks, I doubt not, you will spend together at the house of
Eudemius," the old man persisted, and received a curt grunt of assent.
Undeterred by lack of enthusiasm of his hearers, he settled to the
discussion of a new subject.

"It is years since I have seen him, but men say that he is greatly
changed, since the physicians have failed to mend his daughter's
misfortune."

The soldier, staring moodily into his horn cup, made no sign of having
heard. His father poured himself more wine, and nodded. The old man
added, with a chuckle and a senile attempt at jocularity:

"Marius, boy, thou shouldst but see her! Not a goddess of Rome herself
could equal her. Eh, but she's the morsel for thy lips, she and her fat
lands and the gold of her father's coffers. And it were high time thou
shouldst think of marriage."

"I care nothing for damaged goods," Marius interrupted. "And as for
marriage, that may well wait awhile."

"But since thou art to visit the father, it is but meet that thou
shouldst become enamoured of the daughter, for the time at least. What
else could be expected of thee?" quavered he of the cast. He poured
himself another cup of wine; his hand, none too steady, shook, and the
liquor spilled. Hereat he wept, dolefu