Above the wild passion which sickened in the heart of Afer, struggled resentment and profound indignation. He calmly looked back the flashing gaze of his companion, and a faintly mocking smile curved his lips. ‘Yes, I hear,’ he said at length; ‘of what do you wish me to speak?’ ‘Of what? You are bent on provoking me. Are we not talking—did you not speak of some rumour or tavern gossip of the island at my expense?’ ‘Since your appearance in Caesar’s villa, as a guest, the island is mightily interested in you, and, naturally, the tongue follows the bent of the mind. Many rumours and conjectures are doubtless rife concerning you. To which would you have me refer?’ ‘You are playing with me, I repeat—you dare to do so,’ she replied; and he plainly saw the effort it cost her to speak, as she did, in a quiet tone. ‘You either know something, or nothing—to the point then, quickly.’ ‘Your displeasure is so swift and heavy that it behoves me to be most prudent and cautious. Give me to understand of what I am to speak——’ ‘People call you wise and subtle, but, to me, your prudence and caution savours very much of the profound wisdom of the bird of Minerva.’ ‘It is a sapient fowl which flies about in the night‐time only, and, doubtless, sees many strange things in moonlight and shade,’ said he. ‘Once again—do you refuse to answer me?’ ‘Surely not, in reply to a direct question,’ he answered, as if taking a malicious pleasure in forcing her to mention names. ‘I will give you a cue then,’ said she; ‘you mentioned rumours concerning me—tell me all you know.’ ‘There is only one worth repeating.’ ‘And that refers to Martialis.’ She was pale, with the exception of a bright, red spot on either cheek, and, perceiving by her look and tone, that it would be imprudent to try her further, he nodded affirmatively. ‘And could you not say so before?’ she asked, with an indescribable sneer which stung him to the quick. ‘Not until you yourself had uttered the name, should I have dared to mention what might prove disagreeable,’ he replied derisively. ‘Proceed, then, and without fear.’ ‘It will require but few words. You arrived in a mysterious manner; and, it is said, you came hither of your own accord, because you could no longer endure the absence of the handsome Centurion Martialis from Rome!’ ‘Psa! You are too ridiculous.’ She laughed outright, but the knight, though he could not but admire her self‐possession, could hardly fail to detect the false ring on her tones. ‘And this is the portentous secret you drag forth so mysteriously,’ she cried; ‘this is what you have heard in the wine‐shops and on the Marina! Worthy, idle Capreans! And you, Titus Afer—subtle Titus Afer—to what an empty, pitiful condition of mind, has the sleepy stagnation of this pile of rocks amid the sea brought you, that such an idle fable should so occupy your thoughts as to relate it seriously and solemnly to me.’