‘Certainly not; I should be the last to entertain such a mad idea,’ he replied, with a satisfied laugh which belied his words. ‘No, I am going because I wish to go, and because I will go: and you, Aelius Sejanus, must contrive to convey me thither, openly or in secret.’ ‘Oh, openly would be, of course, the most sensible and politic plan for me, as I am situated,’ he said ironically; and then he added sternly, ‘What silly whim is this? It is impossible.’ ‘It is possible and shall be.’ ‘You mean to enslave Caesar with your charms. Ambition inspires others, it seems, than myself.’ ‘I care nothing for Caesar. As little for a foul old man in purple as a foul old man in rags. I seek him not.’ ‘It would come to the same thing, sweet Plautia, were you to set foot in the island, supposing you were able to do so; for you would, most surely, arrive before the ruler of the world in the end, willingly or unwillingly.’ ‘That would be my business. I would take care of myself.’ ‘Humph! You have done so hitherto, it is true; but then you have had no difficulties to overcome. The pretty, autocratic ways of Plautia have always been carefully humoured. If you will take my advice, you will remain where you are, the queen of your own domain, in Rome. If you step outside into the world,—into Capreae, for instance, you may probably taste of a different experience.’ ‘I am determined, in spite of all you say.’ ‘Be rational!’ said the Prefect, bending his brows impatiently. ‘Should I be in my senses to appear before Livia and the Imperial court with you at my heels?’ ‘You are infatuated with the idea that I am chained and bound to you,’ scoffed Plautia. ‘I have no more affection for your heels than for any other individual’s. Give me only the assurance that I shall not be hindered in my desire, and I shall not trouble you at all.’ ‘Tiberius is never deaf to the voice of a lovely woman. Let me tell him you want him, and there will be no more difficulty.’ ‘No!’ returned Plautia doggedly, ‘I mean to land by myself, quietly and unobserved, on the island.’ ‘The guards will prevent you,’ said Sejanus, with a scornful smile, ‘or, rather, seize you, and hurry you before Caesar, and there will be an end of your frolic. You will inevitably arrive at this conclusion if you persist in your folly.’ ‘I intend to persist.’ ‘Good! Then you may take your own way and the consequences thereof. But, bear in mind, if you give cause for awakening any suspicion to my detriment, you will rue the day you allowed yourself to be possessed of this absurd fancy.’ ‘You may rest easy, if that comprises all your apprehensions,’ answered Plautia composedly. ‘Disenchant yourself, as speedily as possible, on the point of your supposed importance to me. Your vanity is your weakest point. I will not meddle with you; for I have no desire.’ ‘I cannot dissuade you, then?’ ‘No.’ ‘Then tell me how you mean to proceed.’ ‘Whichever way you think best.’