Would you like to know why?"
"If it pleases you to tell me, yes."
"I think that I told you of my uncle Caius, who was pro-consul under
the late emperor for the richest province of Spain, and--made use of his
opportunities."
"Yes."
"Well, the old man has been smitten with a mortal disease. For aught I
know he may be already dead, although the physicians seemed to think
he would live for another ten months, or perhaps a year. Being in this
case, suddenly he has grown fond of his relations, or rather relation,
for I am the only one, and expressed a desire to see me, to whom for
many years he has never given a single penny. He has even announced his
intention--by letter--of making me his heir 'should he find me worthy,'
which, to succeed Caius, whatever my faults, indeed I am not, since of
all men, as I have told him in past days, I hold him the worst. Still,
he has forwarded a sum of money to enable me to journey to him in haste,
and with it a letter from the Caesar, Nero, to the procurator Albinus,
commanding him to give me instant leave to go. Therefore, lady, it seems
wise that I should go."
"Yes," answered Miriam. "I know little of such things, but I think that
it is wise. Within two hours the bust shall be finished and packed," and
she stretched out her hand in farewell.
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