"What, my uncle, are you really serious in your wish to become a Christian?" asked Jovinian, who had not forgotten the discussion he had overheard among the pontiffs, although he felt it would not be prudent to let his uncle know that he had been an eavesdropper on the occasion. "Of course I am," answered Gaius. "Surely the religion which the emperor adopts must be one we must all desire to follow." Jovinian sighed; he knew the truth too well to be deceived by his uncle's remark, and he felt that, even should Gaius have some faint wish to become a Christian, he was very far as yet from the kingdom of heaven. He resolved, however, to do what he conceived to be his duty, and to instruct Gaius as far as he was able in the principles of Christianity. He judged it wise not to complain of being dragged away from his friends--supposing his uncle had a legal power to act as he had done--and he hoped when his services were no longer required that he should be allowed to rejoin Severus. CHAPTER FIFTEEN. JOVINIAN AND HIS UNCLE. Jovinian was treated with much kindness, and allowed all the liberty he desired--being permitted to visit Amulius and the few other friends he possessed. He still had doubts of his uncle's sincerity. He could not forget the scheme proposed by Coecus; and Gaius might desire to take the step he proposed for the sole object of forwarding it. Still, the temptations to join the religion professed by the emperor were great. It might pave the way to honour and wealth. Although many doubted that the emperor was really a Christian, the edicts he had issued showed that he was influenced by Christian counsellors. Among them were those for the abolition of the punishment by crucifixion, the encouragement of the emancipation of slaves, the prohibition of gladiatorial games, and the discouragement of infanticide. Another edict ordered the use of prayers for the army; but that to which perhaps even the idolaters least objected was one for the observance of the Sabbath throughout all the cities and towns in the empire. The Christians, however, were greatly puzzled when they found it designated as "Dies solis," or Sunday; and it was supposed, not without justice, that the emperor selected that title in consequence of his lingering affection towards the worship of the sun, to which he had, in former times, been addicted. The other days in the week were, to please the idolaters, called after the names of the various gods, and especially dedicated to them. The second day was Luna's day, sacred to the moon; the next was Mercury's day; while Jupiter and Venus had also their days; so that the populace were still kept in remembrance of their ancient gods and goddesses, although they were professedly Christians.