rival 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 to be."

"But you have not said a word to me about keeping silence."

"Because you have kept other tests--still, to be sure, you are a woman,
and a very handsome one besides."

"An old grandmother, with grey hair!"

"And still more upright and more charming than a thousand of the most
admired younger beauties."

"You are trying to convert my pride into vanity, in my old age."

"No, no! I was only looking at you with an examining eye, as our talk
led me to do, and I remembered that Sabina had lamented that handsome
Julia was not looking well. But where is there another woman of your age
with such a carriage, such unwrinkled features, so clear a brow, such
deep kind eyes, such beautifully-polished arms--"

"Be qu