" Then he added fiercely, "Go,
girl, go at once, for if you stand there weeping before me any longer, I
tell you that I shall change my mind, and as Nehushta says, imperil the
safety of your soul, and of my own--which does not matter."
So Miriam stumbled from the room and through the curtained doorway. As
Nehushta followed her Marcus caught her by the arm.
"I have half a mind to murder you," he said, quietly.
The old Libyan only laughed.
"All I have said is true and for your own good, Marcus," she answered,
"and you will live to know it."
"Where will you take her?"
"I don't know yet, but Christians always have friends."
"You will let me hear of her."
"Surely, if it is safe."
"And if she needs help you will tell me?"
"Surely, and if you need her help, and it can be done, I will bring her
to you."
"Then may I need help soon," he said. "Begone."
CHAPTER XXV
THE REWARD OF SATURIUS
Meanwhile, in one of the palaces of the Caesars not far from the Capitol,
was being enacted another and more stormy scene. It was the palace of
Domitian, whither, the bewildering pomp of the Triumph finished at last,
the prince had withdrawn himself in no happy mood. That day many things
had happened to vex him.
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