s. The point of the great sword, already half raised, dropped
slowly to the ground, and a new look of embarrassed amazement took the
place of the momentary glare of savage fury.

How it would have ended never transpired, for a commotion at the gate
attracted the attention of all. A small detachment of soldiers was
advancing, at a leisurely pace, headed by a young officer whose arms
blazed with gold and silver. No Hannibalian veterans these. As they
came near, even Marcia could note the sleek, soft look of the men, and
their listless, muscleless gait; while their leader's hair and person
literally reeked with perfumes. His eyes turned slowly from the huge
Gaul to the woman; then a flash of animation lent them light.

"How is this?" he asked. "Why this tumult? Who are these people?"

The Gaul shook his head defiantly, as if ignorant of the speech of his
interrogator, while his followers began to nudge each other, pointing
out the round limbs and fresh complexions of the Capuans, and laughing
scornfully.

The young officer flushed, and, turning to Marcia, repeated the
question.

"I am a Roman. Do you not understand my tongue?" she said.

He glanced fearfully at the Gauls. Then, reassured by their evident
failure to comprehend, he regained his assurance and answered:--

"Surely, lady, an educated Capuan cannot fail to understand all
languages, civilized or barbarous. I speak the Greek, the Roman--all;
only permit me to beg you to be less frank in naming your city: 'Roman'
is a dangerous word to use here. What has led one so beautiful and so
accomplished to run the risk of such a journey? Do you not know that
Hannibal and his men are in Capua? That is why these beasts have been
able to disturb you; but fear not," he continued, as she was about to
speak, "_I_ also am here to protect you," and he accompanied the words,
with a glance that left the nature of the protection offered more than
equivocal.

Suppressing her mingled feelings of disgust and amusement, Marcia
answered haughtily:--

"May Jove favour you for your offer; but has it come that the expected
guest of Pacuvius Calavius needs protection at the gate of Capua?"

Amazement and deference were at once apparent in his changed manner.

"Ah!" he said slowly, as if trying to gather his wits; "that is
different--very different. It is a double regret that these vermin
have troubled you; but you are safe now."

Marcia found herself wondering wheth