"Love is for the
young and death is for the old."
"Old, madame! Why, your cheeks have roses in them."
"Good youth, you are too frank," said she, with a quick glance about
her. "Did the coin say that she loved you?"
"It did."
"And what did she say?"
The young man hesitated.
"Come, you innocent! Of course, I knew that you would talk of nothing
but love. What said she?"
"That she does not love me; but I am sure it is mere coquetry."
"Dear youth! You have a cunning eye. This very day speak, my brave
Vergilius--speak to her brother Appius. To-night take him to dine with
you."
"I had so planned."
A gong of silver rang in the palace halls. It was the signal to
prepare for dinner, and the guests made their farewells. Soon Appius
and the young lover walked side by side in the direction of the
Palatine.
"And what have you been doing?" the former inquired, presently.
"Only dreaming."
"Of what?"
"Of love and happiness, and your sister."
"My sister?"
"Yes; I love her and wish to make her my wife.
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