"The gods grant them!" said Augustus, leading the applause.
"And now I shall proclaim the word he has written. It is 'Arria,' and stands, I know well, for the sister of Appius."
He turned quickly to the still and silent figure of the slave behind him. All eyes were now watching her.
"Are you content?" he inquired.
Gray veil and robe fell away, revealing the beautiful sister of Appius.
Vergilius went quickly to her side.
"I declare them for each other!" said the emperor, as all rose and gathered around the two. He took the boy's hand. "Come to me at ten to-morrow," he added.
"But, O father of Rome!" said Arria, looking up at the great man, "how long shall you detain him?"
"Give me half an hour, you love-sick maiden," said Augustus. "He shall be at your palace in good time."
"Come at the middle hour," said the Lady Lucia, her hand upon the arm of Vergilius.
"The gods give you sleep," said the great father, as he bade them good-night.