Museum. The rapid movement to which the philologer was
prompted on my account will prolong his existence; he bristles with
learning at the tip of every hair, and he sits still more than is good
for him.

"We shall arrive in modest disguise and will sleep at Lochias; you know
that I have rested more than once on the bare earth, and, if need be, can
sleep as well on a mat as on a couch. My pillow follows at my heels--my
big dog, which you know; and some little room, where I can meditate
undisturbed on my designs for next year, can no doubt be found.

"I entreat you to keep my secret strictly. To none--man nor woman--and I
beseech you as urgently as friend or Caesar ever besought a favor--let
the least suspicion of my arrival be known. Nor must the smallest
preparation betray whom it is you receive. I cannot command so dear a
friend as Titianus, but I appeal to his heart to carry out my wishes.

"I rejoice to see you again; what delight I shall find in the whirl of
confusion that I hope to find at Lochias. You shall take me to see the
artists, who are, no doubt, swarming in the old castle, as the architect
Claudius Venator from Rome, who is to assist Pontius with his advice. But
this Pontius, who carried out such fine works for Herodes Atticus, the
rich Sophist, met me at his house, and will certainly recognize me. Tell
him, therefore, what I propose doing. He is a serious and trustworthy
man, not a chatterbox or scatter-brained simpleton who loses his head.
Thus you may take him into the secret, but not till my vessel is in
sight. May all be well with you."

"Well, what do you say to that?" asked Titianus, taking the letter from
his wife's hand. "Is it not more than vexatious--our work was going on so
splendidly."

"But," said Julia thoughtfully and with a meaning smile. "Perhaps it
might not have been finished in time. As matters now stand it need not be
complete, and Hadrian will see the good intention all the same. I am glad
about the letter, for it takes a great responsibility off your otherwise
overloaded shoulders."

"You always see the right side," cried the prefect. "It is well that I
came home, for I can await Caesar with a much lighter heart. Let me lock
up the letter, and then farewell. This parting is for some hours from
you, and from all peace for many days."

Titianus gave her his hand. She held it firmly and said:

"Before you go I must confess to you that I am very proud."

"You have every right