'Nothing for thee,' said Chios.
'But we must see for ourselves,' and he pushed rudely by, followed by a dozen or more armed men, and as he rushed within he beheld Saronia.
'By heavens!' said he. 'Here is a greater than all thy marbles. This is the second time I have fallen in the way of this beautiful tigress. Look ye here: is this thy wife?'
'No,' said Chios.
'Thou art her lover, then?'
'That is my business. Mind thine own.'
'Thou art in a jesting mood. We will see how we can instruct thee to respect Acratus. Take this woman; she is known to the Proconsul and must not stay here. Take her to the fortress, and say I sent her, and I will deal with her anon. No, no, that will not do. Take her to the ship of Lucius, commander of the fleet, and say, "Care for her; she belongs to Acratus." Take her away. What is her name, fellow?'
'Saronia,' said Chios.
'Eh, and a pretty name, too. Now away, soldiers, to Lucius!'
Saronia looked appealingly to Chios.