“Thou canst be advanced. Write me a sentence in Greek.” “I know not Greek, my lord.” “Surely thou knowest the letters. Write a few of them.” “Neither do I know the letters, O Sejanus.” “For knowing how to write one sentence I would promote thee.” “Truly, O master, I know nothing of the language.” “Where wert thou born?” “At the Etruscan town of Nepete.” “When didst thou leave thy native town?” “Two years since.” “How long hast thou been a soldier in the camp?” “Two years, my lord.” “Thou art dismissed,” commanded Sejanus, satisfied with the soldier’s answers. Tearing the message from Gannon’s tunic, Sejanus exultantly burned in a lamp all traces of the lad’s knowledge concerning Lygdus. Chapter VIII In the palace of Drusus the important dinner, whose outcome so many anxiously waited, had been prepared, but the emperor had not arrived. He was impatiently awaited in the atrium by Drusus and Livilla. Julia, their daughter, was with them. Near by the guests were laughing and talking. Livilla’s mother and brother, Antonia and Claudius, were there. Among the other relatives were Agrippina and her daughters, Agrippina, Drusilla, and Julia; and her sons, Nero, Drusus, and Caligula. Outside of the family only the consul and a few Senators with their wives were present. Livilla appeared excited and talked hurriedly. She asked Drusus, “Art thou sure the emperor will come?” “Ay, Livilla; I am positive that he will be here,” replied Drusus, assuringly. “’Tis late. I wonder what hinders him,” she nervously asked. “Be not so excited, O Livilla,” replied her husband. “Why dost thou tremble? What dost thou fear?” “I fear nothing,” she answered, forcing an air of composure. “Then be calm, I pray thee. Didst thou ever see thy mother so ill at ease, O daughter Julia?” “Her hands are cold,” said Julia. “Art thou ill, O mother?” “Nay, my daughter,” replied the mother, trying to smile. A burst of laughter interrupted them. Claudius, who was the centre of a small group, was receiving humorous attacks made upon him by Nero. “Of a truth, Livilla,” said Drusus, “thy brother grows stouter every day. His life can be summed up in three words,--eat, drink, and sleep. Go, Julia, join thy cousins and be happy.” “But why tarries the emperor?” again impatiently asked Livilla. “Mayhap Sejanus detains him,” said Drusus. “New honors, O Livilla, have been awarded the minister, while I receive nothing. Insulted in the Senate has our grandmother, Livia, been this day by our father. Insulted also have I been by him. The Senate decreed me honors which my father would not allow. O Livilla, Sejanus, my enemy, is loved by my father, whilst I, the heir, am hated. Verily do I believe that my death would be welcomed by them both!” Livilla made no reply. She played with the rings on her fingers as she gazed vacantly before her. She started when Drusus added, “Is not that true?” “What didst thou say, O Drusus?”