"whilst I make ready for
supper."

But Antinor would not sit down. In his habitual way he leaned against
the wall, watching with those earnest eyes of his every movement of his
host, as the latter first passed a loving hand over the white cloth on
the table and then smoothed out every crease on its satiny surface. Anon
he disappeared for a moment in the dark angle of the room, where a rough
wooden chest stood propped against the wall. From this he now took out a
loaf of fine wheaten bread, also a jar containing wine and some plain
earthenware goblets. These things he set upon the table, his big leonine
head bent to his simple task, his small grey eyes wandering across from
time to time in kindliness on his friend.

Intuition--born of intense sympathy--had already told him that something
was amiss with the praefect. He knew every line of the rugged face which
many deemed so fierce and callous, but in which he had so often seen the
light of an all-embracing charity.

When Taurus Antinor used to visit his friend in the olden days he was
wont to shed from him that mantle of rebellious pride with which, during
the exercise of his duties in Rome, he always hid his real personality.
People said of the praefect that he was sullen and morose, merciless in
his judgments in the tribunal where he presided. They said that he was
ambitious and intriguing, and that he had gained and held the Caesar's
ear for purposes of his own advancement. But the man and woman who had
come recently on the Aventine and who called the praefect of Rome their
friend, knew that his rough exterior hid a heart brimming over with
pity, and that his aloofness came from a mind absorbed in thoughts of
God.

But to-day the praefect seemed different. The look of joy with which he
had greeted his friends had quickly faded away, leaving the face
darkened with some hidden care; and as the man watched him across the
narrow room, he seemed to see in the strong face something that almost
looked like remorse.

Therefore, whilst accomplishing the task which he loved so well, he
quietly watched his friend and resolved that he should not recross the
threshold of this house without having unburdened his soul.

"Friend," he now said abruptly, "I have a curious whim to-night. Wilt
indulge it?"

"If it be in my power," responded the praefect, rousing himself from his
reverie.

A look of deep affection softened for the moment the hard look on his
face, as his deep-