Verus made his wife a bow and pressed his lips on her arm, then he asked.
"And where is dame Julia?"
"She is saving the sheep from the wolf," replied Balbilla.
"Which means—?"
"That as soon as you were announced she carried off little Roxana to a place of safety."
"No, no," interrupted Lucilla. "The tailor was waiting in an inner room to arrange the charming child's costume. Only look at the lovely nosegay she brought to Julia. And do you deny my right to share your secret?"
"How could I?" replied Verus.
"He is very much in need of your making allowances!" laughed Balbilla, while the praetor went up to, his wife and told her in a whisper what he had learnt from Mastor. Lucilla clasped her hands in astonishment, and Verus cried to the poetess:
"Now you see what a satisfaction your cruel tongue has deprived you of?"
"How can you be so revengeful most estimable Verus," said the lady coaxingly. "I am dying of curiosity."
"Live but a few days longer fair Balbilla, for my sake," replied the
Roman, "and the cause of your early death will be removed."