An undisturbed, unbroken silence reigned over the imperial residence. The Emperor was doubtless busy with affairs of state, if indeed he were not away upon official business. Still the flag 191 disproved his absence. He might be simply viewing the domain.
Suddenly from the lean-to came such fierce barking that more than one Vigilante made a hasty return to the safety of her saddle. Then the door opened, and, preceded by his dogs, the Emperor came out into the sunshine. He had doubtless been too absorbed to note their coming.
“Down, Nero! Down, Trajan!” they heard him say. “Is this the way you receive my guests?”
The dogs ceased barking, and stood on either side of him as he surveyed his visitors. They in turn surveyed him. They saw a tall, slight old man, still unbent. It seemed as though dignity defied time and kept him upright. His frayed white shirt was spotless, and his gray trousers, held up by thongs of skin, were neatly darned and clean. The lines in his smoothly shaven face vied in intricacy with the streets of Boston; his thin hair was neatly brushed; his faded blue eyes were gentle. He was the kind of an old man to whom one instinctively showed deference. Moreover, he was the Roman Emperor. 192
The hats of Jack, Carver, and Donald came off as they greeted him.
“These are our friends, Mr. Livy,” Donald explained. “You remember I told you some time ago that they were coming. And you know Virginia Hunter?”
Mr. Livy did know Virginia. He and Nero and Trajan came forward all together to greet her.
“It’s good to see your face again, Miss Virginia,” said the Emperor. “Your father was here day before yesterday. He mentioned water-cress. Was that your errand?”
“That, and to see you, Mr. Livy,” answered Virginia. “My friends wished to come. I hope you’re not too busy to show them around a little.”
The Emperor was not too busy. He said this with a bow, which was many times repeated as he was presented to the others.