“And you, too, are a Christian, thanks be to God!” Anna exclaimed fervently. “See there, my Cynthia, here is the great Claudius who, at the request of thy beautiful Aunt Hyacintha, my once dear mistress, took me out of a dark dungeon, and saved my life. Say ‘Good Claudius!’” The child, who had raised her wondering face from her father’s shoulder, now stretched out her arms towards the tall warrior, who had at first frightened her, and said:-- “Good Claudius!” touching his cheeks with her hand. “And can you tell me aught of my dear mistress, the lady Hyacintha?” Anna asked. “Yes; I have a tale to tell, but it is a sad tale.” “Take Cynthia in your arms, and sit down, Anna,” said her master. “You, of all others, ought to hear the tale, be it sad or joyful.” “Yes,” Claudius said, “there is no reason why you should be in ignorance of what is in my heart. Nay, I doubt not you know it already, and that it will, as regards myself, scarcely be news. From my rough boyish days at Verulam I have loved your dear mistress, and I must love her always. Though never to be mine in this lower world, I may claim her yet when all earthly taint of sin has passed away. “Since the death of Terentia Rufilla, the life of your gracious and beautiful sister has been full of trial, noble Casca. Bitter jealousy and envy of her acquirements have been rife in the community. Fair without these white-robed Vestals may appear, but they not all are fair within. “By the voice of the majority, and by the dying desire expressed again and again by the late Vestal Maxima, Terentia Rufilla, Hyacintha Severa was elected to succeed her. There was none so fitted as she was; her rank, as the daughter of a noble house, so high; her accomplishments and graces of mind and body so rare. But there never was a creature like her who did not provoke jealousy and ill-will in some minds. Evil tongues have set afloat rumours concerning her, which, though at first none heeded, have been like fertile seed cast here and there, and at last taking root. “It is not possible for me to see her. Some of the evil rumours say that she has desired to renounce her vow, and, becoming a Christian, be free to marry. Were I to present myself at the Vestals’ atrium it might fasten the charge of aspiring to her on me, and add to her trouble. Her rule, as those who know it well declare, has been marked by its wonderful wisdom. The young disciples well-nigh worship her, the priests consult her on every matter connected with the sacred rites. The one who works the mischief is the daughter of a princely house, who desires the highest office. “Finding all other accusations fail, she now insinuates that the Vestal Maxima is a Christian in disguise, and that she merits the death of the faithless virgin.” “Oh! may God forbid,” exclaimed Anna--“oh! may the Lord protect my mistress.”