“ ‘Virtus in infirmitate perficitur,’ ” said the priest. “What! are you to do any thing of yourself? or are you to be simply the instrument of Another? We shall have the same termination, you and myself, but you long after me.”
“Ah, father, because you will burn out so much more quickly!” said Agellius.
“I think,” said Cæcilius, “I see my messenger; there is some one who has made his way by stealth into the garden, or at least not by the beaten way.”
There was a visitor, as Cæcilius had said; however, [pg 163]it was not his messenger, but Juba, who approached, looking with great curiosity at Cæcilius, and absorbed in the sight. Cæcilius in turn regarded him steadfastly, and then said to Agellius, “It is your brother.”
“What brings you here, Juba?” said the latter.
“I have been away on a distant errand,” said Juba; “and find you have been ill. Is this your nurse?” he eyed him almost sternly, and added, “’Tis a Christian priest.”
“Has Agellius no acquaintance but Christians?” asked Cæcilius.
“Acquaintance! O surely!” answered Juba; “agreeable, innocent, sweet acquaintance of another sort; myself to begin with. My lad,” he continued, “you did not rise to their price, but you did your best.”
“Juba,” said his brother, “if you have any business here, say it, and have done. I am not strong enough to hold any altercation with you.”
“Business!” said Juba, “I can find quite business enough here, if I choose. This is a priest of the Christians. I am sure of it.”