“On horseback b-b-beside the litter,” said Flexinna, “waiting for your d-d-decision.”
“I’ve made it,” Brinnaria proclaimed.
“Shall I g-g-go t-t-try?” enquired Flexinna.
“No!” Brinnaria fairly shouted, pulling off her headdress.
“What shall I d-d-do then?” Flexinna queried.
“Undress,” Brinnaria ordered, “undress quick!” Flexinna stared at her, horrified.
“What for?” she quavered.
“Undress first and ask afterwards,” Brinnaria commanded. “Undress, woman, undress!” She was tearing off her clothes as she talked.
“Can’t you see, you fool!” she hissed. “The gods have made it all easy. The densest fog Rome ever saw and all over the country-side, a curtained litter with the fastest bearers alive right at my door, my best friend on horseback beside it, drink and food enough and to spare, me off duty till to-morrow noon and you here to change clothes with me. I put on your clothes and go save Almo.”
“You’ll be outside Rome all night,” Flexinna objected. “That’s sacrilege.”