[Laughs.] Hush! That is my secret! I steal them for him! Though I present them to him with my father’s greetings, else, so honest is he, he would make me put them back! [The Others exclaim.] Yet, do you know, sometimes I fancy my father sees the theft, but turns his head aside!
Nerva.
Magic! [Going.] By the gods and goddesses, why am not I a Christian and a prisoner!
Valentinus.
[Laying work aside.] These lengthening days tempt me to prolong work! Now, Tilla; is it a doll to be mended, or a table in weights and measures to be learned, or.... [He pauses, seeing Pertinax.]
Quartilla.
This is Pertinax, overseer at my father’s farm!
Valentinus.
Greetings to you, Pertinax!