ta, and begin to search those Scriptures
of which I have heard so much; that seem, by the way, specially designed
to prevent the happiness of men and women." Then he added fiercely, "Go,
girl, go at once, for if you stand there weeping before me any longer, I
tell you that I shall change my mind, and as Nehushta says, imperil the
safety of your soul, and of my own--which does not matter."

So Miriam stumbled from the room and through the curtained doorway. As
Nehushta followed her Marcus caught her by the arm.

"I have half a mind to murder you," he said, quietly.

The old Libyan only laughed.

"All I have said is true and for your own good, Marcus," she answered,
"and you will live to know it."

"Where will you take her?"

"I don't know yet, but Christians always have friends."

"You will let me hear of her."

"Surely, if it is safe."

"And if she needs help you will tell me?"

"Surely, and if you need her help, and it can be done, I will bring her
to you."

"Then may I need help soon," he said. "Begone."

CHAPTER XXV

THE REWARD OF SATURIUS

Meanwhile, in one of the palaces of the Caesars not far from the Capitol,
was being enacted another and more stormy scene. It was the palace of
Domitian, whither, the bewildering pomp of the Triumph finished at last,
the prince had withdrawn himself in no happy mood. That day many things
had happened to vex him. First and foremost, as had been brought home
to his mind from minute to minute throughout the long hours, its glory
belonged not to himself, not even to his father, Vespasian, but to his
brother, the conqueror of the Jews. Titus he had always hated, Titus,
who was as beloved of mankind for his virtues, such as virtues were in
that age, as he, Domitian, was execrated for his vices. Now Titus had
returned after a brilliant and successful campaign to be crowned as
Caesar, to be accepted as the sharer of his father's government, and to
receive the ovations of the populace, while his brother Domitian must
ride almost unnoted behind his chariot. The plaudits of the roaring mob,
the congratulations of the Senate, the homage of the knights and subject
princes, the offerings of foreign kings, all laid at the feet of Titus,
filled him with a jealousy that went nigh to madness. Soothsayers had
told him, it was true, that his hour would come, that he would live and
reign after Vespasian and Titus had gone down, both of them, to Hades.
But even if they spoke the t