an, and walked to the farther
side of the atrium. He turned, still white with anger as if
unsatisfied.

"Pet of harlots!" said he, fiercely. "It is time for some one to stand
for the honor of good women. If you do but speak her name again before
me I will run you through."

Receiving no answer, he departed with Cyran, while the others gathered
about their host.

There was a heavy rumble in the throat of Antipater--a tiger-like,
Herodian trait--and then a volley of oaths came out of it. He trembled
with rage and flung his sword far across the dim atrium with a shout of
anger. Like the great cats in his rage, he was like them also in his
methods of attack--sly and terrible, but with a deep regard for the
integrity of his own skin. Sure of his advantage, he could be as brave
as when he faced the tiger.

He sat awhile muttering, his face between his hands. Soon, having
calmed his passion, he rose and snarled: "Good sirs, never quarrel with
the pet of an emperor, for if one spares you the other will not."

CHAPTER 5

Arria and her mother sat with the emperor. He was at home and in a
playful humor. The hour of his banquet was approaching. Soon he would
be summoned to receive his guests.

"Nay, but I am sure he loves me," the girl was saying.

The cunning emperor smiled and spoke very gently. "Think you so, dear
child? I will put him to the test. Soon we shall know if he be worthy
of so great a prize. I will try both his wit and his devotion, but
you--you cannot be here."

"And why, great father?"

"Think you it could be a test with your eye upon him?"

"Oh, but I must see it," said the girl. "Unless I see it I shall not
know. Let me be your slave and stand behind you in gray cloth.
Beloved father, I implore you, let me see the test."

"Ah, well," said the emperor, rising, with a smile. "I shall know
nothing but that you have gone above-stairs to find Clia, mistress of
the robes. Tell her to give you a box of tablets, and when I raise my
finger--so--they are to be delivered. Away with you."

Arria left with a cry of joy, and presently Augustus went with the Lady
Lucia to meet his guests.

The "commands" of the emperor had given the hour of the banquet and
prescribed the dress to be worn. Vergilius had waited anxiously for
the moment when he should again see the great god of Rome, who could
give or take away as he would. Standing at the door of Caesar, he
wondered whether he were ne