Over Ulpius he had an absolute right, Ulpius was his dependant; and he determined, therefore, to extort from the servant whom he despised an explanation of the mysteries in the conduct of the master whom he feared, and the daughter whom he began to doubt.
'Where is Antonina ?' he cried, starting as if from a trance, and advancing fiercely towards the treacherous Pagan.

'She has left the room--she must have taken refuge with you.' With a slow and penetrating gaze Ulpius looked round the apartment.

A faint agitation was perceptible in his livid countenance, but he uttered not a word.
The senator's face became pale and red with alternate emotions of apprehension and rage.

He seized the Pagan by the throat, his eyes sparkled, his blood boiled, he began to suspect even then that Antonina was lost to him for ever.
'I ask you again where is she ?' he shouted in a voice of fury.

'If through this night's work she is lost or harmed, I will revenge it on you.