d, partly satisfied by the constant and
well-timed proclamations of the magistrates, partly convinced that for the
moment there was no hope of successful outrage, and yet more wearied out
with their own turbulent vehemence, whether of fear or anger, the crowd
began to retire to their houses, and the streets were left empty and
silent.

As the day dawned, there was no banner hoisted on the Janiculum, although
its turrets might be seen bristling with the short massive javelins of the
legions, and gleaming with the tawny light that flashed from their brazen
casques and corslets.

There was no augural tent pitched on the hills without the city walls,
wherefrom to take the auspices.

And above all, there were no loud and stirring calls of the brazen
trumpets of the centuries, to summon forth the civic army of the Roman
people to the Campus, there to elect their rulers for the ensuing year.

It was apparent therefore to all men, that the elections would not be held
that day, though none knew clearly wherefore they had been deferred.

While the whole city was loud with turbulent confusion--for, as morning
broke, and it was known that the comitia were postponed, the agitation of
terror succeeded to that of insubordination--Hortensia and her daughter sat
together, pale, anxious, and heartsick, yet firm and free from all
unworthy evidences of dismay.

During the past night, which had been to both a sleepless one, they had
sate listening, lone and weak women, to the roar of tumultuous streets,
and expecting at every moment they knew not what of violence and outrage.

Paullus Arvina had come in once to reassure them: and informed them that
the vigilance of the Consul had been crowned with success, and that the
danger of a conflict in the streets was subsiding every moment.

Still, the care which he bestowed on examining the fastenings of the
doors, and such windows as looked into the streets, the earnestness with
which he inculcated watchful heed to the armed slaves of the household,
and the positive manner in which he insisted on leaving Thrasea and a
dozen of his own trustiest men to assist Hortensia's people, did more to
obliterate the hopes his own words would otherwise have excited, than the
words themselves to excite them.

Nor was it, indeed, to be wondered that Hortensia should be liable, above
other women, not to base terror,--for of that from her high character she
was incapable--but to a settled apprehension and