Scene: A room in the town house of Asterius. The scene shows a room furnished in Roman style, but plainly, with table, chair, bench and stool. High up on one wall is an aperture with wooden shutters, now open to admit light and air. Through this window may be seen the branches of a tree, bare of leaf, yet with buds swelling, and a glimpse of sky. In the same wall is a door which gives exit to the lane at the back of the house. On the other side is a curtained opening to another room.... On the table are writing materials of the kind in use at the time. Seated so as to catch the light Valentinus is busily engaged in writing. Enter Nerva bearing a jar of steaming pottage, with a spoon, also a platter with a square, flat cake of bread.
Nerva.
Behold, your supper, Valentinus! [He sets down his burden.] Supper, I say. And though but prisoner’s fare, yet, through some bewitchment you exercise over the entire household, myself excepted, seasoned with the cook’s best art! [He sniffs the pottage.] M-m-m!
Quartilla.
[Head between the curtains.] Bo!... Valentinus! Tilla says Bopeep!
Valentinus.
Ah, my little Quartilla! One sixtieth portion of an hour and I shall have done!... [Still engrossed with work.]
Quartilla.
Sh! [She enters on tiptoe, and one sees that she is an attractive child.]
Nerva.