‘Noble Caesar?’ ejaculated the Suburan faintly.
Tiberius frowned.
‘I say where have you left this woman?’
‘In the house of one named Tucca, at the edge of the cliffs under the hill of the villa of Mars. It is almost hid from sight; there are no dwellings at hand, so that it seemed to me to be as serviceable for the purpose as any.’
‘No doubt,’ observed the Emperor; ‘but had it been under the villa of Mercury it would have been more convenient for those concerned.’
There was a knock at the door, and on receiving permission to enter, the sentinel made his appearance, and announced the arrival of a courier with despatches.
Caesar’s demeanour and voice betrayed evident interest. ‘I will summon him directly—let him be at hand,’ he said. ‘And now, Tigellinus, best and most discreet of servants, we will let these matters of ours rest until to-morrow.’
Tigellinus made a low obeisance and withdrew. He went across the spacious peristyle, and disappeared down the passage, by which he had arrived, toward the quarters of the household staff, where he held a largely attended levee, as the newest arrival from Rome.
The Emperor stepped to the door, and, slightly opening it, peered through to assure himself of his vassal’s complete departure. When the sound of steps had completely died away, he clapped his hands and then returned to his seat. [pg 154]In a few seconds the slender figure and handsome face of the Greek steward Zeno entered.
‘Know you the house of one named Tucca, standing on the cliffs at the foot of the hill of Mars?’ demanded Tiberius.