"We warned your Majesty that it was dangerous."
But Cæsar, stretched on the soft cushions of the litter, had already forgotten his alarm, and cried, laughing—
"Glycon! Glycon! did you see the old woman rolling on the ground with my beard?"
When they arrived at the palace Cæsar ordered—
"Quick! Let me have a perfumed bath and supper. The walk has famished me."
A courier came near holding a letter.
"What is it, Norban? No, no, we will have business to-morrow morning."
"Let the magnanimity of Cæsar pardon me! It is an important message sent direct from the camp of the Emperor Constantius."
"From Constantius? Give it me."
Gallus broke the seal of the missive, read, and grew pale. His knees gave way—he would have almost fallen without the support of his courtiers.