“And why not? You know what happened in the Circus?”
“Of course; but I thought....”
“No, there was no help for it this time. I solemnly and formally offered her the hand of reconciliation in Caesar’s name.”
“And Domitia?”
“To-morrow she will return an answer to her husband’s message; but, of course, she is only too ready.”
At this moment the fair Massilian came up to them.
“Quintus, one word with you,” she begged with an engaging smile. “You will excuse him, Clodianus?”
The officer bowed.
“Listen,” said Lycoris, as she drew Quintus away, “you must tell me all you can about your provincial friend. The man is unbearable with his strictness and sobriety, and yet there is something in him—how can I explain it?—something that is wanting in every one of you others without exception; a balance of mind, a steadfast certainty—one may as well give in as soon as he opens his mouth.”
And as she spoke she laid her hand familiarly in the young man’s arm.