She would not draw the curtains of her litter, but looked at everything in the streets, and saw that all were in the same condition of stupefaction.
On reaching the entrance to the palace occupied by her mother, Domitia noticed another palanquin and attendants.
“The Vestal Abbess, Cornelia, is with the Lady Duilia,” said Eboracus.
“I will go in!—I know her well, and esteem her,” said Domitia.
She passed the vestibule, traversed the Atrium and entered the Tablinum. But Longa Duilia was not there. A slave coming up, said that she had entered with the Great Mother into a private apartment, where she might not be disturbed.
“Well! I am no stranger. Lead the way.”
In another instant she was ushered into her mother’s presence, and at once Duilia bowed to her with profound respect.
“Mother—what does this mean?”
“Here is the Lady Abbess, Cornelia, let me present her to your Highness.”
“Mother—I salute the Lady Cornelia—what is this that has cast a shadow over Rome and frightened the people as with an eclipse?”