"I am Mago, the son of Hamilcar. What brings a Roman woman to Capua in these days?"
This youth, then, was the famous brother of Hannibal; the commander of the ambush at the Trebia. His voice was cold, harsh, and metallic, and in his eyes there was none of the rude lust of the Gaul or the polished licentiousness of the Capuan. They burned only with the fires that light the souls of patriots and leaders of men.
"I come," said Marcia, slowly, "for several reasons, and believing that Carthage does not make war upon women."
The eyes lost nothing of their cold scrutiny at the implied compliment or the covert reproach.
"And what reasons?" he asked sharply.
"For the one," replied Marcia, and she was conscious of an effort in holding her voice to its steady inflection; "that my house is bound in hospitality to that of Pacuvius Calavius—"
Mago's brow cleared for an instant.
"Our friend," he said. "He is married to one of your Claudians." Then it darkened again as he continued: "Well, and you seek him for what? To tempt him back to Rome?"
"I seek him," said Marcia, boldly, "because I am wise. Have I not seen the narrowing of Rome's resources? the quarrels of the factions? I have come from there, and I tell you that, if Hannibal have patience until the spring, it is Rome that will beg him to take her. What part has a woman with a man who cannot protect himself! Let her look for a new defender, if she be wise."
An odd look had come into the Carthaginian's face as she spoke, a look more scornful but less threatening.