‘Stop, and welcome, till you are hale and strong; but, for the rest, I can yet afford to house my kinsman, as a guest, without turning tavern keeper—no man who tastes my bread and salt under my roof must pay for the same.’
‘Well, as you like. I am delighted to see you, by Jupiter.’
‘And I thee—I have needed thee, and have much to say.’
‘And I also; most especially to have my eyes gladdened with Neæra, my fair niece—but come, there yet remains sister Tibia.’
‘Ay, true,’ said Masthlion, going to the door. ‘Into the house! Haste thee, girl—take thy uncle’s wallet! Prepare his room! Get water! The Centurion will excuse thee for [pg 191]a little time. I will go and get rid of my clay coating and be with you soon—come!’
They all, therefore, left the workshop, and proceeded into the house. The potter’s wife, in the meantime, had re-entered, and met them. She looked curiously at the strange figure of Cestus for a moment, and then rushed forward and embraced him, giving vent to as many signs and expressions of astonishment and delight as her quiet mild nature was capable of. There was, indeed, a faint similarity between the character of their faces, but very little between their dispositions.
‘Hark’ee, brother-in-law!’ said Cestus to Masthlion, as the latter was withdrawing out of the little guest chamber, whither Neæra had conveyed the appliances wherewith the traveller was to refresh himself after his journey, ‘tell me something more of that tall young fellow downstairs. ’Tis a gay young cock to be haunting a potter’s house.’
‘’Tis a matter which has already given much trouble—nor am I yet satisfied,’ returned Masthlion, knitting his heavy brows.
‘Just so; the girl is handsome, and people tattle. One of his breed is a dangerous visitor to your pigeon-cote,’ said Cestus.
‘He has acted fairly and honestly, and is in haste to wed her.’