The lady listened with courteous attention, and then taking Hyacintha’s hand, she said—
“I will now receive her into the house of the vestals consecrated to the service of the goddess. Has she an attendant?”
“Yes,” Hyacintha exclaimed, “I have one attendant, but she remains at the house of the good Clœlia.”
“And so may she remain. Of what nation is she—a Briton?”
“Nay, gracious lady,” Hyacintha said, “she is of Roman birth, and her family are to be found here.”
“Seek them out then,” said the Vestal, “and let her return to them. I must commit thee, child, to the care of those who will clothe thee in the proper habit, and to-morrow at dawn thou shalt be led to our high priest, who shall examine thee, and then consecrate thee for thy high office in the temple of the goddess.”
Clœlia understood that the time for leaving Hyacintha was come, and she bade her farewell, making a low reverence to the stately lady, who, taking Hyacintha by the hand, was leading her away, when she turned quickly—
“I pray you, Clœlia, commend me to my brother Casca, and let me know of his welfare. I pray you assure him of my affection.”
“It shall be as you desire,” Clœlia said, as she turned to pursue her way towards her home on the further side of the Forum.
Hyacintha was led through the cloisters, up a staircase by which the upper floor was reached, to a small hall where several vestals were seated, employed in weaving a fine tissue embroidered with gold and silver, which was used for the service of the altar.