'Only in one way can you convince me and win me.' 'Oh, how ?' 'Let me hear that Muscula is dead.' Sagaris stood mute.

A hand touched his shoulder, his hair; perfumes loaded the air about him.
'Tell me your name and it shall be done.' The warm mouth breathed against his cheek and a name was murmured.
The second day after this saw an event in the Palatine which was matter of talk for some two days more, and then passed into oblivion.

Rumour said that Muscula had been detected plotting against the life of Bessas, that she had been examined under torture, found guilty, and executed.

Certain gossips pretended that there was no plot at all, but that Bessas, weary of his mistress, had chosen this way of getting rid of her.

Be that as it might, Muscula was dead..