‘I had the opportunity of coming in contact with one of his conquests the other day,’ continued Afer, ‘a young girl with whom he is infatuated, they say. One of the lower people only. The daughter of a potter in Surrentum, who has some sort of reputation for his work. Wishing for some specimens of his handicraft, as a memento of Surrentum, I went thither to purchase, and the girl herself attended on me in the shop. A tall, lithe, handsome girl, undoubtedly, and with a manner altogether superior to that of her class, however she came by it.’
‘And do you think it likely, with such a paragon as this under his sway, he would ever trouble himself to invent a lie concerning another?’ said Plautia.
‘Oh, in the most natural manner possible,’ laughed Afer. ‘You know not these men. Victory does not appease them. They are insatiable after fresh conquests, like Alexander.’
‘Indeed—is it possible?’
She proceeded calmly to gather together the skirts of her garments; and beyond the pallor of her face, the result of her great mental excitement, there was nothing unusual in her manner.
‘If I can help you in the matter, command me, Plautia,’ said Afer.
‘I ask nothing save your profound silence—I will take the affair into my own hands.’
‘It will be well dealt with.’
She bowed her head.
‘I suppose the Centurion is to be found somewhere in the vicinity of the villa?’