"That is granted," said Titianus. "I know that Pontius will not demand a man or a sesterce more or less than is needed for the purpose."
The architect bowed in silence and Titianus went on.
"But above all things, do you think you can accomplish your task in eight days and nine nights?"
"Possibly, at a pinch; and if I could only have four days more at my disposal, most probably."
"Then all that is needed is to delay Hadrian's arrival by four days and nights."
"Send some interesting people—say the astronomer Ptolemaeus, and Favorinus, the sophist, who await him here—to meet him at Pelusium. They will find some way of detaining him there."
"Not a bad idea! We will see. But who can reckon on the Empress's moods?
At any rate, consider that you have only eight days to dispose of."
"Good."
"Where do you hope to be able to lodge Hadrian?"
"Well, a very small portion of the old building is, strictly speaking, fit to use."