“Not in so many words.”
“My dear, it is true. He is going, and whether he be successful or not, will return wearing the title Germanicus. I shall have a little supper.”
“For whom?”
“For whom, do you ask? For him to be sure, to wish him good success on the expedition.”
“You will allow me not to be present.”
“As you will, perverse girl. My dear,” in a confidential tone, “if kittens can’t catch rats, cats can.”
CHAPTER XXI.
THE VIRGIN’S WREATH.
“My dear,” said Longa Duilia to her daughter, “with wit such as you have, that might be drawn through a needle’s eye, it is positively necessary to have you married as quickly as possible. I can no longer bear the responsibility of one so full of waywardness and humors as yourself.”