‘Psaw!’
The ablest minds have their weaknesses, and it was beyond the power of the formidable Prefect’s affected scorn to hide the gratification which this flattery of the influence of his personal advantages caused to lurk in his very handsome face.
His client well knew that he need have little fear of giving offence by straining too grossly on the point, so he proceeded—
‘Until you are able, therefore, to render another reason for the divine Plautia’s presence, it will be vain to dislodge my opinion.’
‘I really cannot say, except that it is merely a woman’s whim,’ returned the other, shrugging his shoulders pityingly. ‘’Tis strange I forgot she was coming.’
‘What? did you then know?’ said Afer in surprise.
‘Had the least thought of it troubled my brain I must have told you before now. Ere we left Rome she vowed, for some reason which I could not discover, that she would pay a sly visit to Capreae. She would not be dissuaded, and for the sake of peace I consented. I arranged her conveyance hither; for the rest she must take her chance.’
‘How did she come?’
‘In the vessel of one Tigellinus, who has periodical business in the island.’
Both men burst into a laugh.