And even as she spoke, from far away over the hills and beyond the Campania the thunder rolled dully in response.
CHAPTER XIV
"Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him."—Job xl. 9.
A few moments later Licinia came running back into the room.
"Augusta!" she exclaimed excitedly even before she had crossed the threshold. "Augusta! quick! the Cæsar!"
Dea Flavia started, for she had indeed been suddenly awakened from a dream. Slowly, and with eyes still vague and thoughtful, she turned to her slave.
"The Cæsar?" she repeated, whilst a puzzled frown appeared between her brows and the young blood faded from her cheeks. "The Cæsar?"
"Aye," said the old woman hurriedly. "He is in the atrium even now, having just arrived, and his slaves fill the vestibule. He desires speech with thee."