Tertulla.
[Thoughtfully.] Pertinax! [She fondles the flowers.] My friends! Do you know that at last I see you with the eyes of my body as of my spirit? [Kisses the flowers.]
[Pertinax sighs. Tertulla hearing, starts up.]
Who sighed then? Surely not Faunus! Surely Faunus is no longer angry with his handmaiden? Valentinus, you always counsel wisely! How can I propitiate the god, assuring him of my continued loyal service?
Valentinus.
True service implies many things, Tertulla, among which not the least is gratitude! Under the favour of Heaven human hands were needed to protect the tender roots from the cruelties of winter, to water them in days of drought, and foster their growth! The miracle of the god could be wrought only by the devotion of a man!
Tertulla.
[After a slight pause.] If Pertinax is within hearing let him advance to receive my thanks!
[At a sign from Valentinus, Pertinax obeys, on which Tertulla addresses him with much dignity.]
Although not condoning the presumption of your suit, Pertinax, yet.... [She breaks off with a slight cry.] Why ... yours was the last face I saw before my vision went to sleep, when you, a boy, drew me from the reach of the all-devouring flames! [She turns aside with emotion.] An act but for which I should still be.... How unmindful have I been all these years! But now ... you shall find me not ungrateful!