‘Has she anything to recommend her but her beauty?’
‘Her suppers are celebrated among a certain set.’
‘Of which the Prefect makes one?’
‘They have been most intimate for some time.’
‘Who else of any note?’
‘The Prefect’s friend, Domitius Afer; one called Martialis is infatuated with the love of her, follows her like a dog, and report says she treats him like one.’
‘She is fonder of the Prefect, and, now that she has followed after him, this Martialis will forthwith hang himself, as a dog in despair should. The Prefect has a centurion whom I know by that name. Without doubt it is the same luckless dog.’
‘No, the centurion is a younger brother.’
‘You are invaluable, Tigellinus,’ said Tiberius, nodding [pg 152]his head approvingly. ‘I should deem myself clever with only half of your industry and power of memory. Do you happen to know if this other Martialis, the officer of the Prefect, is also accounted one of the set blessed with the cookery of this lady’s kitchen?’
‘No, I should say not. He is seldom seen, even with his brother, I am told. He and the guard were waiting for me to-night, when I rowed ashore at dusk—bears himself somewhat proudly.’