One doesn't need to have a very long memory to recall her arrival in Rome.

There are who say that she came as suckling nurse in a lady's train, with the promise of marriage to a freedman when her mistress's baby was weaned.

That is malice, of course; poor Muscula has had many enemies.

For my part, I have never doubted that she was suckling her own child, nor that its father was a man of honourable name, and not a slave of the Circus stables as some said.' Again Vivian rolled on the cushions in mirth, until he caught Basil's eye as it glanced at him with infinite scorn.

Then he started to a sitting posture, fingered the handle of his dagger, and glared at Heliodora's neighbour with all the insolent ferocity of which his face was capable.