was speaking the truth, and that he
must have some right to speak to her with such unwonted decision. "Yes
indeed, you are the principal architect of the city; Titianus, from whom
we have heard of you, has told us great things of you; but how am I to
account for your special interest in me?"

"It is my duty to serve you--if necessary, even with my life."

"You," said Balbilla, puzzled. "But I never saw you till yesterday."

"And yet you may freely dispose of all that I have and am, for my
grandfather was your grandfather's slave."

"I did not know"--said Balbilla, with increasing confusion.

"Is it possible that your noble grandfather's instructor, the venerable
Sophinus, is altogether forgotten. Sophinus, whom your grandfather
freed, and who continued to teach your father also."

"Certainly not--of course not," cried Balbilla. "He must have been a
splendid man, and very learned besides."

"He was my father's father," said Pontius.

"Then you belong to our family," exclaimed Balbilla, offering him a
friendly hand.

"I thank you for those words," answered Pontius. "Now, once more, Pollux
had nothing to do with that image."

"Take my cloak, Claudia," said the girl. "I will sit again to the young
man."

"Not to-day--it would spoil his work," replied Pontius. "I beg of you to
go, and let the annoyance you so vehemently expressed die out some
where else. The young sculptor must not know that you have seen this
caricature, it would occasion him much embarrassment. But if you can
return to-morrow in a calmer and more happy humor, with your lively
spirit tuned to a softer key, then Pollux will be able to make a
likeness which may satisfy the granddaughter of Claudius Balbillus."

"And, let us hope, the grandson of his learned teacher also," answered
Balbilla, with a kindly farewell greeting, as she went with her
companion towards the door of the hall of the Muses, where her slaves
were waiting. Pontius escorted her so far in silence, then he returned
to the work-place, and safely wrapped the caricature up again in its
cloths.

As he went out into the hall again, Pollux hurried up to meet him,
exclaiming:

"The Roman architect wants to speak to you, he is a grand man!"

"Balbilla was called away, and bid me greet you," replied Pontius. "Take
that thing away for fear she should see it. It is coarse and hideous."

A few moments later he stood in the presence of the Emperor, who
expressed the wish to play the p