She was a woman of good report before this time, and is the adopted mother of the Emperor.

It is now doubted by many whether Stilicho, her husband, was ever guilty of the correspondence with the Goths, of which he was accused; and I, on my part, doubt much that Serena has deserved the punishment of death at our hands.

I beseech you, Vetranio, let me be enlightened by your opinion on this one point at least!' The Prefect waited anxiously for an answer, but Vetranio neither looked at him nor replied.

It was evident that the Senator had not listened to a word that he had said! This reception of his final appeal for assistance, produced the effect on the petitioner, which it was perhaps designed to convey--the Prefect Pompeianus quitted the room in despair.
He had not long departed, when Carrio again entered the apartment, and addressed his master thus: 'It is grievous for me, revered patron, to disclose it to you, but your slaves have returned unsuccessful from the search!' 'Give the description of the girl to a fresh division of them, and let them continue their efforts throughout the night, not only in the streets, but in all the houses of public entertainment in the city.
She must be in Rome, and she must be found!' said the senator gloomily.
Carrio bowed profoundly, and was about to depart, when he was arrested at the door by his master's voice.
'If an old man, calling himself Numerian, should desire to see me,' said Vetranio, 'admit him instantly.' 'She had quitted the room but a short time when I attempted to reclaim her,' pursued the senator, speaking to himself; 'and yet when I gained the open air, she was nowhere to be seen! She must have mingled unintentionally with the crowds whom the Goths drove into the city, and thus have eluded my observation! So young and so innocent! She must be found! She must be found!' He paused, once more engrossed in deep and melancholy thought.

After a long interval, he was roused from his abstraction by the sound of footsteps on the marble floor.