‘That is so,’ replied Cestus, sweeping his glance round the little room, where the shadows were gathering thick, and the flickering flames of the fire in the brazier were beginning to define themselves on the walls; ‘but there yet remains plenty of time. I am going to open a weighty subject with him, so I am taking time to consider.’
‘And what may that be?’ asked Neæra, seating herself on a stool beside him and looking into his face.
Cestus kept his glance on the fire as he replied:
‘It is not indeed so grave a matter after all, but he is sure to make it so. I want him to cut loose from this tomb of a town and take up his abode in Rome. It is the only place for a man of skill. Here he is buried.’
‘Here we have been very happy and content, until lately,’ responded the fair girl, with a sigh. ‘I don’t think you will succeed.’
‘Yes, if you would help me,’ observed Cestus.
‘My father is the best judge, and I will abide by what he says.’
‘He must go eventually,’ said the Suburan, emphasising the word must, ‘so that you might as well persuade him to move with me at once.’
‘Must go! And what is there then to compel him?’ said Neæra quickly, in surprise.
The Suburan’s eyes twinkled as he shot a sidelong glance at her beautiful face.