“Two years since.”
“How long hast thou been a soldier in the camp?”
“Two years, my lord.”
“Thou art dismissed,” commanded Sejanus, satisfied with the soldier’s answers.
Tearing the message from Gannon’s tunic, Sejanus exultantly burned in a lamp all traces of the lad’s knowledge concerning Lygdus.
Chapter VIII
IN the palace of Drusus the important dinner, whose outcome so many anxiously waited, had been prepared, but the emperor had not arrived. He was impatiently awaited in the atrium by Drusus and Livilla. Julia, their daughter, was with them. Near by the guests were laughing and talking. Livilla’s mother and brother, Antonia and Claudius, were there. Among the other relatives were Agrippina and her daughters, Agrippina, Drusilla, and Julia; and her sons, Nero, Drusus, and Caligula. Outside of the family only the consul and a few Senators with their wives were present. Livilla appeared excited and talked hurriedly. She asked Drusus, “Art thou sure the emperor will come?”
“Ay, Livilla; I am positive that he will be here,” replied Drusus, assuringly.
“’Tis late. I wonder what hinders him,” she nervously asked.
“Be not so excited, O Livilla,” replied her husband. “Why dost thou tremble? What dost thou fear?”