“The fish,” said he—
But before he could offer any explanation, Paris appeared, his face expressive of alarm; he had seen the servants in the imperial white below, and knew therefore whom to find in his wife’s lodgings.
He hastily saluted her and said:—
“Lady! I beseech thee to go at once. Something has occurred most grave. Return immediately to the palace.”
“What is it? Tell me.”
“Madam, I dare not name it, lest it be untrue. To speak of it if untrue were to be guilty of High Treason.”
“High Treason!” gasped Domitia. She knew what such a charge entailed.
“The Cæsar Domitian has passed at full gallop through the streets, his attendants behind him.”
“Whither has he gone?”
“To the Prætorian barracks.”