None dared breathe in his ear what all feared; but none would separate till it was surely ascertained whether what was surmised was a fact or not.
The slaves knew it and looked wistfully at Lamia.
He was engaged in making trifling presents to the many guests and well-wishers, moving from one to another, attended by slaves with trays piled up with gifts.
Eboracus burst on him, through the throng, forgetting, in his agitation and fear, the diffidence that belonged to his position.
“Sir! Where is the mistress?”
Lamia, without looking at him, or desisting from what he was about, answered:
“Within, being freed from her veil and bridal ornaments.”
“Sir! Lucius! she has been stolen from you! she has been carried away.”
Lamia stood as one petrified.
“How dare you utter such a jest?”