“We shall arrive in modest disguise and will sleep at Lochias; you know that I have rested more than once on the bare earth, and, if need be, can sleep as well on a mat as on a couch. My pillow follows at my heels--my big dog, which you know; and some little room, where I can meditate undisturbed on my designs for next year, can no doubt be found. “I entreat you to keep my secret strictly. To none--man nor woman--and I beseech you as urgently as friend or Caesar ever besought a favor--let the least suspicion of my arrival be known. Nor must the smallest preparation betray whom it is you receive. I cannot command so dear a friend as Titianus, but I appeal to his heart to carry out my wishes. “I rejoice to see you again; what delight I shall find in the whirl of confusion that I hope to find at Lochias. You shall take me to see the artists, who are, no doubt, swarming in the old castle, as the architect Claudius Venator from Rome, who is to assist Pontius with his advice. But this Pontius, who carried out such fine works for Herodes Atticus, the rich Sophist, met me at his house, and will certainly recognize me. Tell him, therefore, what I propose doing. He is a serious and trustworthy man, not a chatterbox or scatter-brained simpleton who loses his head. Thus you may take him into the secret, but not till my vessel is in sight. May all be well with you.” “Well, what do you say to that?” asked Titianus, taking the letter from his wife’s hand. “Is it not more than vexatious--our work was going on so splendidly.” “But,” said Julia thoughtfully and with a meaning smile. “Perhaps it might not have been finished in time. As matters now stand it need not be complete, and Hadrian will see the good intention all the same. I am glad about the letter, for it takes a great responsibility off your otherwise overloaded shoulders.” “You always see the right side,” cried the prefect. “It is well that I came home, for I can await Caesar with a much lighter heart. Let me lock up the letter, and then farewell. This parting is for some hours from you, and from all peace for many days.” Titianus gave her his hand. She held it firmly and said: “Before you go I must confess to you that I am very proud.” “You have every right to be.” “But you have not said a word to me about keeping silence.” “Because you have kept other tests--still, to be sure, you are a woman, and a very handsome one besides.” “An old grandmother, with grey hair!” “And still more upright and more charming than a thousand of the most admired younger beauties.” “You are trying to convert my pride into vanity, in my old age.” “No, no! I was only looking at you with an examining eye, as our talk led me to do, and I remembered that Sabina had lamented that handsome Julia was not looking well. But where is there another woman of your age with such a carriage, such unwrinkled features, so clear a brow, such deep kind eyes, such beautifully-polished arms--”