She knelt before him
and kissed the border of his tunic.
"Oh, my young master!" said she, "I shall be of those who part the
briers in your way." Then she hurried to obey him.
"I would speak with you, noble son of Varro," said Antipater, beckoning.
Vergilius followed to the deep atrium of the palace, where they stood
alone.
"You have one thing I desire, and I will pay you five thousand aurei to
relinquish it--five thousand aurei," the Jew whispered.
"And what is it you would buy of me, noble prince?"
"A mere plaything! A bouquet that will fade shortly and be flung
aside. The thing happens to suit my fancy, and--and I can afford it."
In the moment of silence that followed this remark a stern look of
inquiry came into the face of Vergilius.
"Man, do you not know? 'Tis the sister of Appius," Antipater added,
lightly.
"Cur of Judea!" hissed the knight, his sword flashing out of its
scabbard, "I shall cut you down and fling you out to the dogs. Fight
here and now. I demand it!"
The young Roman spoke loudly and stood waiting.
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