Sejanus regarded him earnestly for a space, and then replied
slowly —

* You are right, Domitius. I understand what you mean.
I thought of that possibility when I granted beauty's request,
but I was too hasty and hurried at the time. I am more
impressed with it now. This state of things is too dangerous;
it must be altered, my Domitius.'

* It would be wise to bring the lady's visit to a sudden and
hasty close,' rejoined Afer.
* By Hercules ! it must be done,' muttered Sejanus, knit-
ting his brows. * Only think, if my lady Livia were to hear !
Come, let us go back to my house. I was intending to depart
straight to the villa of Neptune • but not now. One thing is
sure ; I must see this bold damsel, as soon as there is sufficient
darkness to cover one's movements. Come, Domitius, march !
May all the powers in heaven give her prudence and keep her
in-doors till night. Given that, then the morn may break
upon her at a safer distance.'

At a certain time previous to this conversation, the old
man Tucca emerged from his dwelling and made toward the
town. On the outskirts thereof was a wine tavern — a small,
unpretentious house, standing in a very narrow lane. It was
the tavern of Paula. He went in and inquired of the widow
herself for Alexander. She was a native of the island, like him-
self, and, of course, known to him, as long as she had lived,
some five-and-forty years. A quiet smile rested on her yet
comely face when, after a few commonplace remarks, Tucca
made his inquiry. She brought him upstairs into a cell-like



I TO NEMRA PART II.
