, and a resting place among those
martyrs with whose names his is now associated forever?"

Lucullus was silent, and thought for some time. At length he spoke:

"Of his wishes there can be no doubt. I will respect them, and deny
myself the honor of performing the funereal rites. Take them, Honorius.
But I will, nevertheless, assist at your services. Will you permit the
soldier, whom you only know as your enemy, to enter your retreat and to
witness your acts?"

"You shall be welcome, noble Lucullus, even as Marcellus was welcome
before you, and perhaps you will receive among us the same blessing that
was granted to him."

"Do not hope for anything like that," said Lucullus. "I am far different
from Marcellus in taste and feeling. I might learn to feel kindly toward
you, or even to admire you, but never to join you."

"Come with us, then, whatever you are, and assist at the funeral
services of your friend. A messenger will come for you to-morrow."

Lucullus signified his assent, and after handing over the precious urn
to the care of Honorius, he went sadly to his own home.

On the following day he went with the messenger to the Catacombs. There
he saw the Christian community, and beheld the place of their abode. But
from the previous accounts of his friend he had gained a clear idea of
their life, their sufferings, and their afflictions.

Again the mournful wail arose in the dim vaults and echoed along the
arched passage ways, that wail that spoke of a new brother committed to
the grave; but the grief that spoke of mortal sorrow was succeeded by a
loftier strain that expressed the faith of the aspiring soul, and a hope
full of immortality.

Honorius took the precious scroll, the word of life, whose promises were
so powerful to sustain amid the heaviest burden of grief, and in solemn
tones read that chapter in the first epistle to the Corinthians which in
every age and in every clime has been so dear to the heart that looked
beyond the realms of time to seek for refuge in the prospect of the
resurrection.

Then he raised his head and in fervent tones offered up a prayer to the
Holy One of heaven, through Christ the divine mediator, by whom death
and the grave had been conquered and immortal life secured.

The pale sad face of Lucullus was conspicuous among the mourners. If he
was not a Christian he could still admire such glorious doctrines and
listen with pleasure to such exalted hopes. It was he who placed th