Again Perpetua accepted what was said, as the reason given was plausible, and entered the house. [pg 142]The first thing she observed, by the torch glare, was a statue of Apollo. She was surprised, and inquired, hesitatingly, “Is this the house of Julius Largus Litomarus?”
“Admirable is your ladyship’s perspicuity. Even in the dark those more-than-Argus eyes discern the truth. The worthy citizen Largus belongs to the sect. He is menaced as well as other excellent citizens by the unreasoning and irrational vulgar. He has therefore instructed that you should be conveyed to the dwelling of a friend, only deploring that it should be unworthy of your presence.”
“May I ask your name, sir?”
“Septimus Callipodius, at your service.”
“I do not remember to have heard the name, but,” she added with courtesy, “that is due to my ignorance as a young girl, or to my defective memory.”
“It is a name that has not deserved to be harbored in the treasury of such a mind.”
The girl was uneasy. The fulsome compliment and the obsequious bow of the speaker were not merely repugnant to her good taste, but filled her with vague misgivings. It was true that exaggeration and flattery in address were common enough [pg 143]at the period, but not among Christians, who abstained from such extravagance. The mode of speaking adopted by Callipodius stamped him as not being one of the faithful.
“I will summon a female slave to attend on your ladyship,” said he; “and she will conduct you to the women’s apartments. Ask for whatever you desire. The entire contents of the house are at your disposal.”
“I prefer to remain here in the court till my mother shall arrive.”
“Alas! adorable lady! it is possible that you may have to endure her absence for some time. Owing to the disturbed condition of the streets, it is to be feared that her carriage has been stopped; it is not unlikely that she may have been compelled to take refuge elsewhere; but, under no circumstances short of being absolutely prevented from joining you, will she fail to meet you to-morrow in the villa Ad Fines.”