CHAPTER 9.
THE TWO INTERVIEWS.
The time, is the evening of the first day of the Gothic blockade; the place, is Vetranio's palace at Rome.

In one of the private apartments of his mansion is seated its all-accomplished owner, released at length from the long sitting convened by the Senate on the occasion of the unexpected siege of the city.

Although the same complete discipline, the same elegant regularity, and the same luxurious pomp, which distinguished the senator's abode in times of security, still prevail over it in the time of imminent danger which now threatens rich and poor alike in Rome, Vetranio himself appears far from partaking the tranquility of his patrician household.

His manner displays an unusual sternness, and his face an unwonted displeasure, as he sits, occupied by his silent reflections and thoroughly unregardful of whatever occurs around him.

Two ladies who are his companions in the apartment, exert all their blandishments to win him back to hilarity, but in vain.