And he himself? He was the same to-day as ten years since: different every day and at every hour of the day.
CHAPTER XIII.
When Verus entered the palace Hadrian had returned thither but a few minutes previously from the city. The praetor was conducted through the reception-rooms to the private apartments, and here he had not long to wait, for Hadrian wished to speak with him immediately. He found the sovereign so thoroughly out of tune that he could not think of inviting him to his banquet. The Emperor restlessly paced the room while Verus answered his questions as to the latest proceedings of the Senate in Rome, but he several times interrupted his walk and gazed into the adjoining room.
Just as the praetor had concluded his report Argus set up a howl of delight and Antinous came into the room. Verus at once withdrew into the window and pretended to be absorbed in looking out on the harbor.
"Where have you been?" asked the Emperor, disregarding the praetor's presence.
"Into the city a little way," was the Bithynian's answer.
"But you know I cannot bear to miss you when I come home."
"I thought you would have been longer absent."
"For the future arrange so that I may be able to find you at whatever time I may seek you. Tell me, you do not like to see me vexed and worried?"
"No, my lord," said the lad and he raised a supplicating hand and looked beseechingly at his master.