Shall we not think of such in every age with sympathy and pity? Shall we not leave them in the loving hands of Him who knoweth our infirmities, and remembers that we are but dust? Hermione quickly rallied herself, and said, “My time of leave is over. I must be hastening home, or the lictors at the gate will be impatient. When do you depart for Alexandria, good Claudius?” “Nay, I know not whether I depart at all; but Casca and the child, and their attendants, are sailing from the Portus Augusti next week.” Hermione took Cynthia from Claudius for a moment, and said, “Listen, Cynthia; you must not forget me, for I loved your aunt, and she loved me. You will write to me as soon as you are able to wield the pen, and you will tell me of all you learn, and all you do in Alexandria. And do not forget poor Hermione.” Cynthia clasped the Vestal round the neck, and said, “Come with us to our pretty home in Alexandria. Why cannot you come?” “I am tied and fettered here,” said poor Hermione; “and here I must live till death comes to me and frees me from bondage.” “Ah!” said the child, “I am glad I am not to be a Vestal, but that I belong to the Lord Jesus--so glad!” Hermione kissed the child fervently, and then turned away, waving her hands in token of farewell, saying, “Remember your promise, little Cynthia.” “What has she asked of thee, little one?” Claudius said, when the child had returned to him. “She bade me write to her, and never forget her,” Cynthia said. “I shall make haste to learn to write; and father says already I am a little scholar. You will help me to write, good Claudius.” “Nay, then, little one, this hand of mine is not skilled in using the pen or scribbling in parchment; but there are many others who will teach thee.” “You are going to Alexandria with us? You will not leave us, good Claudius?” “Nay, we will not speak of parting yet--not yet.” “_Never!_” exclaimed Cynthia, emphatically; “never!” And Claudius evaded a direct answer, but promised that he would at least take care of her on the coming return voyage, for the season was late, and they would probably meet with storms in the inland sea through which they must sail to the fair city of Alexandria. Claudius found the attractions at Alexandria, where he shared the home of Casca and his little daughter, too great to be withstood. He vibrated, it is true, between the two cities for a year or two, but as age sapped his strength, and brought low the once athletic and vigorous frame, he became less inclined for action, and was content to live the quiet life in which his friend Casca delighted, and to enjoy with him the society of the little daughter who, as she grew in years, grew in all the graces and attractions which had distinguished the aunt whose name she bore, and whom she so strongly resembled.