"A good number."
"Then I wish that they would attempt a revolt, for if this led to the destruction of the rich ones, their gold, at any rate, would remain."
"Meanwhile I will try and keep them alive, as being good rate-payers."
"And does Hadrian share your wish?"
"Without doubt."
"Your successor may perhaps bring him to another mind."
"He always acts according to his own judgment, and for the present I am in office," answered Titianus haughtily.
"And may the God of the Jews long preserve you in it!" retorted Sabina scornfully.
CHAPTER VII.
Before Titianus could open his lips to reply, the principal door of the room was opened cautiously but widely, and the praetor Lucius Aurelius Verus, his wife Domitia Lucilla, the young Balbilla and, last of all, Annaeus Florus, the historian, entered. All four were in the best spirits, and immediately after the preliminary greetings, were eager to report what they had seen at Lochias; but Sabina waved silence with her hand, and breathed out: