Dion was sitting there on guard as the Augusta had commanded. He rose when she entered.
"The praefect?" she asked hurriedly.
"He sleeps," replied the man.
"Art sure?"
"I peeped in but a few moments ago. His eyes are closed. I think that he sleeps."
"I would wish to make sure," she said curtly.
Too well-trained, or mayhap too indifferent to show surprise at so strange a desire on the part of the great and gracious Augusta, Dion stood aside respectfully to allow her to pass, then he followed her to the door of the inner room and held aside the heavy curtain, whilst she put her hand upon the latch.
"Dion," she said, turning back to him, "yesterday I gave thee thy freedom, since thou didst serve me well."
"Aye, gracious lady," replied the man as he bent the knee in submissive respect, "and I would kiss thy feet for this, thy graciousness."
"When the city is once more at peace, we'll before the quaestor, and thou and Nolus and Blanca shall all be declared free. But to-day thou art still my slave and must obey me in all things."