"She went out, and she could not get back home again, she is now lying in the house of a stranger."
"Where?"
"That must be quite indifferent to you—"
"By no means, quite the contrary. I beg you to tell me the whole truth."
"Eternal gods! what can you care about the poor sick creature?"
"Nothing whatever; but I must know whither you are riding."
"Down by the sea. I do not know the house, but the donkey driver—"
"Is it far from here?"
"About half an hour yet," said the lad.
"A good way then," replied Verus. "And Hadrian is particularly anxious to remain unknown."