, followed by two other, walking rapidly past
him. They were Numerian and the spies.

'At last, my projects are approaching consummation,' exclaimed Vetranio
to himself, as he and his kitten rolled off in the chariot. 'It is
well that I thought of securing possession of Julia's villa to-day, for
I shall now, assuredly, want to use it to-morrow. Jupiter! What a
mass of dangers, contradictions, and mysteries encompass this affair!
When I think that I, who pride myself on my philosophy, have quitted
Ravenna, borrowed a private villa, leagued myself with an uncultivated
plebeian, and all for the sake of a girl who has already deceived my
expectations by gaining me as a music-master without admitting me as a
lover, I am positively astonished at my own weakness! Still it must be
owned that the complexion my adventure has lately assumed renders it of
some interest in itself. The mere pleasure of penetrating the secrets
of this Numerian's household is by no means the least among the
numerous attraction of my design. How has he gained his influence over
the girl? Why does he keep her in such strict seclusion? Who is this
old half-frantic, unceremonious man-monster calling himself Ulpius;
refusing all reward for his villainy; raving about a return to the old
religion of the gods; and exulting in the promise he has extorted from
me, as a good pagan, to support the first restoration of the ancient
worship that may be attempted in Rome? Where does he come from? Why
does he outwardly profess himself a Christian? What sent him into
Numerian's service? By the girdle of Venus! everything connected with
the girl is as incomprehensible as herself! But patience--patience! A
few hours more, and these mysteries will be revealed. In the meantime,
let me think of my banquet, and of its presiding deity, the Nightingale
Sauce!'

CHAPTER 5.

ANTONINA.

Who that has been at Rome does not remember with delight the
attractions of the Pincian Hill? Who, after toiling through the
wonders of the dark, melancholy city, has not been revived by a visit
to its shady walks, and by breathing its fragrant breezes? Amid the
solemn mournfulness that reigns over declining Rome, this delightful
elevation rises light, airy, and inviting, at once a refreshment to the
body and a solace to the spirit. From its smooth summit the city is
seen in its utmost majesty, and the surrounding country in its
brightest aspect. The crimes and miseries o