a careless tone, but with a wave of his
arm that showed his pride in its possession. "Three hundred and
eighty-nine works--the best, and of the most excellent authors:--poets,
philosophers, historians, rhetoricians--all that is worth reading. No
man in Capua has a better show of literature--unless, perhaps, it be
Decius Magius," and his voice sank, as if the name had brought him back
to a realization of circumstances. "Here I can read without
disturbance, and here we can talk without fear of interruption or
listening ears. There are slaves always stationed at both ends of the
portico, to insure quiet."

"And you are the man who has dared to turn Capua over to the enemies of
Rome! Truly, I cannot understand."

Marcia could not restrain the words, and Calavius flushed.

"Do not condemn me for timidity," he said quickly. "These are
dangerous seas for a man of mark to steer his craft upon.
Carthaginians and other barbarians are not citizens of Capua--no
refinement--no civilization. Much has happened to disturb me--to
unsettle my nerves. Decius Magius has been parading in the Forum,
defying our friends,--and who with him but my own son, Perolla, casting
discredit on my plans, and danger on himself! It was with the utmost
difficulty I could drag him away--and then, what does the Carthaginian
do but fly into a rage, and demand an audience of the senate, with a
view to punishing Decius. Nothing but my influence and that of Virrius
and the Ninii have persuaded him to forego his purpose for the time;
and that, only, by pleading the joy of this day, and that it should be
given to nothing save festivity and feasting. Truly, my mind misgives
me. Still, they have sworn that no Carthaginian shall have any power
over a Campanian, and--was not that a noise in the portico?"

He rose and, gliding out to the row of pillars, looked up and down.
Marcia regarded him with contempt and pity.

"And yet," she said, "it is for this terror and distrust that you have
betrayed Rome. Were there none of our soldiers and citizens in the
town?"

"Do not speak of it," whispered Calavius, growing even paler;--"a most
frightful misfortune! They were taken in arms, or at their
business--what matters it which?--and confined in the baths for
safe-keeping."

"And then?" said Marcia, for he paused.

"And then some evil-disposed persons turned on the vapour."

"They were killed?" she cried.

"Not so loud!--not so loud! for the love of