if the mob recognized him only as the creature of its whim, to be
upheld as a facile puppet or cast down by the first savage gust of
discontent.

As for Calavius himself, he, too, fell readily into the part assigned
him. His face was wreathed in a constant smile, his lips spoke only
compliments, his hands waved greetings, until, at last, Marcia lay
back, and, closing her eyes, refused to see more of her host's
degradation.

Suddenly the litter-bearers paused and set down their burdens. In
distance the journey had been short, but the many enforced halts had
made it seem as if the whole city had been traversed. They were now
before the porch of a house that was, if possible, even more
magnificent than that of Calavius. Every column was twined with
garlands, flowers hung in festoons from the architrave, incense steamed
up from brazen tripods set on either side of the entrance. In front
and around the entire insula, the streets were packed dense with a
seething crowd, save only for a small space before the vestibule, where
was stationed a guard of Africans equipped in the manner of Roman
legionaries. These were rude, wiry soldiers, scornful of civilians and
their fancied rights, but, above all, contemptuous of the soft
Campanian mob that arrogated so much and could command so little. At
first the populace had tried to browbeat and play with them, and the
soldiers had sallied out into the street and killed a couple of the
most talkative, wounding half a dozen more. Now the cowardly Capuans
stood back in awe, giving passage whenever the strangers called for it,
and hardly daring to whisper among themselves as to what manner of rule
they had invited to destroy them. Were it not for this summary
treatment it is doubtful whether any of the guests would have been able
to gain the entrance--least of all Calavius, who was looked upon as
their peculiar creation and mouthpiece, and at whom a hundred
complaints were volleyed (in low voices, be it said) as he made his
slow way through the press.

Glad to escape at last from a position at once embarrassing and
dangerous, he now made haste to escort Marcia between the files of
foreign guards, into the atrium, where the Ninii Celeres--smiling
hosts--had stationed themselves to receive the guests that had been
bidden to so important a festivity. Thence he led her, muffled as she
was, to a vestiarium opening to the left side, where were already some
half-dozen women, whose att