At last they arrived at the tower-like octagon of the bath-rooms, which was completely lined and paved with pale grey marble.
They went through the halls and passages, which served for the gymnastics and games of ball usually indulged in before and after the bath, past the heating-rooms, undressing and anointing-rooms, directly to the calidarium, or warm bath.
The slave silently opened the door in the marble wall. Amalaswintha went in and stood upon the narrow gallery which ran round the basin. Immediately before her was a flight of easy steps leading into the bath, out of which warm and delicious odours already arose.
The light fell from above through an octagonal dome of artistically-cut glass. Close to the entrance into the room a staircase of cedar-wood, consisting of twelve steps, led on to a spring-board.
On the marble walls of the gallery, as well as of the basin, the openings of the water-works and heating-pipes were concealed by marble bas-reliefs.
Without a word, the attendant laid the various articles for the bath upon the soft cushions and carpets which covered the gallery, and turned to go.
"How is it that I seem to know you?" asked the Princess, looking thoughtfully at her. "How long have you been here?"
"Eight days," answered the slave, turning the handle of the door.
"How long have you served Cassiodorus?"
"I serve, and have always served, the Princess Gothelindis."