"
Now there had been no changes of moment in the palace of the Lady
Lucia, save one. The slave-girl, Cyran, had brought to Arria the
inspiration of a new faith. The sister of Appius had begun to try it
in secret prayers. Her mother had fallen ill of a deadly fever so that
none had hope of her recovery, and the girl had prayed, and, lo! her
prayer had been answered. Letters from Vergilius, full of the new
light in him, had confirmed her faith. And Arria confided to her
family and intimates knowledge of her devotion to the one God. Soon
the religion of Judea had become a topic of patrician Rome.
When Vergilius had left the capital, Antipater came every day for a
time to the palace of the Lady Lucia, and brought with him many
beautiful gifts. But Arria refused to see him or to accept the gifts
he had brought. Now the stubborn prince had faith that when he was
made king she would no longer be able to resist him. If he failed with
splendor, he was beginning to consider what he might do with power.
That day of the interview between youth and emperor a letter came to
Arria from her lover.
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