While she spoke, she quickly filled another drinking vessel with wine and water.
‘See,’ she said, coming forward with it, ‘I will be answerable for it. Drink without fear—I will be your taster.’
She accordingly drank two or three mouthfuls and offered him the ample remainder. He drank as briefly as herself and merely out of courtesy.
‘You said you were thirsty.’
‘I was. It seems to have left me.’
‘Had you drunk before, you would have been, now, far beyond all thirst on earth.’
‘I am indebted to your keen eye and prompt arm for my life, therefore. I trust chance may enable me, some day, to repay the debt.’
‘Tush, Centurion, you are jesting. You, the Pretorian Achilles, acknowledging to the hand of a weak girl!’
The young man bowed coldly, for the style of the speech was not very agreeable to his mind.
‘Farewell, Plautia. I trust you may speedily find comfort in your affliction. Do you come, brother? My way lies with yours for a space.’