'More then,' said Julia, 'must have come to your ears than to ours. When last we sat with the Emperor at his table, he seemed well inclined. And when urged by Fronto, rebuked him even with violence.' 'Yes, it was so.' 'Is it then from the scenes of to-day at the temple that you draw fresh omens of misfortune? I have asked you what we should think of them.' 'I almost tremble to say. I stood, Piso, not far from you, upon the lower flight of steps, where I think you observed me.' 'I did. And at the sound of that voice from the temple, methought your face was paler than Aurelian's. Why was that?' 'Because, Piso, I knew the voice.' 'Knew it! What mean you?' 'Repeat it not--let it sink into your ear, and there abide. It was Macer's.' 'Macer's? Surely you jest.' 'Alas! I wish it were a jest. But his tones were no more to be mistaken than were the thunder's.' 'This, should it be known, would, it is plain to see, greatly exasperate Aurelian. It would be more than enough for Fronto to work his worst ends with. His suspicions at once fell upon the Christians.' 'That,' said Probus, 'was, I am confident, an artifice. The countenance, struck with superstitious horror, is not to be read amiss. Seen, though but for a moment, and the signature is upon it, one and unequivocal. But with quick instinct the wily priest saw his advantage, seized it, and, whether believing or not himself, succeeded in poisoning the mind of Aurelian and that of the multitude. So great was the commotion among the populace, that, but for the tempest, I believe scarce would the legions of the Emperor have saved us from slaughter upon the spot. Honest, misguided Macer--little dost thou know how deep a wound thou hast struck into the very dearest life of the truth, for which thou wouldst yet at any moment thyself freely suffer and die!' 'What,' said Julia, 'could have moved him to such madness?'