"But reflect; the Mausoleum is now a fortress. If the Goths storm----"
"The Letoides stand upon the second and inner wall; and how can I fear that the barbarians will ever again conquer the favourite place of Cethegus? Where can the beauteous gods be more secure than in your citadel? Your fortress is their best, because safest, temple. My offering shall be at the same time a happy omen."
"It shall!" cried Cethegus with animation. "And I myself believe that your gift is well protected. But allow me, in return----"
"In return you have allowed me to fight for you. Chaire!" laughed the Greek, and was gone.
"The boy loves me dearly," said Cethegus. "And I am like other human fools--it does me good; and that not merely because I can thereby rule him."
Heavy footsteps were now heard upon the marble of the vestibule, and a tribune of the army entered.
It was a young Roman with noble features, but of a graver expression than his years warranted. His cheek-bones made a right angle with his straight and severe brow, in true Roman outline; in the deep-sunk eyes lay Roman strength and--at this moment--resolute earnestness, and a self-will regardless of all but itself.
"Aha! Severinus, son of Boëthius! Welcome, my young hero and philosopher! I have not seen you for many months. Whence come you?"
"From the grave of my mother!" answered Severinus, with a fixed look at the questioner.
Cethegus sprang from his seat.