They all, therefore, left the workshop, and proceeded into the house. The potter’s wife, in the meantime, had re‐entered, and met them. She looked curiously at the strange figure of Cestus for a moment, and then rushed forward and embraced him, giving vent to as many signs and expressions of astonishment and delight as her quiet mild nature was capable of. There was, indeed, a faint similarity between the character of their faces, but very little between their dispositions. ‘Hark’ee, brother‐in‐law!’ said Cestus to Masthlion, as the latter was withdrawing out of the little guest chamber, whither Neæra had conveyed the appliances wherewith the traveller was to refresh himself after his journey, ‘tell me something more of that tall young fellow downstairs. ’Tis a gay young cock to be haunting a potter’s house.’ ‘’Tis a matter which has already given much trouble—nor am I yet satisfied,’ returned Masthlion, knitting his heavy brows. ‘Just so; the girl is handsome, and people tattle. One of his breed is a dangerous visitor to your pigeon‐cote,’ said Cestus. ‘He has acted fairly and honestly, and is in haste to wed her.’ ‘Bid him wait, and be patient for a while.’ ‘What was I to do? I bade her tell him to come no more—to give her up as unfitting. He refused, and I went to Rome to find thee.’ ‘Aha! Hast been to the great city, Masthlion, a‐seeking me—well?’ ‘I could not find you, nor yet Balbus, with whom you dwelt.’ Cestus grinned. ‘No, it is not likely, for Balbus is not there.’ ‘I did my best; I was in despair, and could not but let things go as they were fated. You never came nigh all these years—it was reasonable to suppose that you were dead.’ ‘And nearly dead I have been.’ ‘Even as you were entering, he was pressing me for her marriage.’ ‘I came just pat, did I not?’ ‘Thank the kind gods you have thereby relieved me of a heavy load, and I fear have—but that is for me alone.’ ‘But know you nothing more than the young fellow’s name?’ demanded Cestus. ‘I inquired in Rome. He bears a high character.’ ‘He is a citizen then. What brought him here?’ ‘He is a Pretorian Centurion with the Prefect at present in Capreae.’ ‘Ho! ho!’ murmured Cestus, ‘this may be useful. I am sorry you had your journey to Rome for nothing, kinsman; but I am not too late, as it happens, to ease your mind. I can, as you know, help you in this matter, and I really came with much the same business in my head. It is a long story, and had best be entered upon when we have a flagon of wine between us, and the women asleep in bed upstairs.’ ‘Good; that will be to‐night, if you are not too tired,’ replied Masthlion, with a sigh of deep satisfaction. ‘Meanwhile, fob the Pretorian off; it may, perhaps, be worth his while—who knows?’ Masthlion retired to make himself presentable, and when both men appeared below, they found a simple meal ready awaiting them.