A couple of hours having passed since Aurelia's coming, the Senator had in some degree recovered from his agitation; he lay now in a room which opened upon the central court of the villa, a room adorned with rich marbles and with wall-paintings which were fading under the hand of time.

Deathly pale, scarce able to raise his head from the cushion of the couch, he none the less showed a countenance bright with joyous emotion.

His quivering voice strove to welcome the visitor cheerily.
'What news from the city, dear lord Marcian?
How are all our friends?
Do they begin to forget us ?' 'Not so, Illustrious,' answered the young man, with head bent.

'You are much desired in the Senate, where grave counsel is just now greatly in demand.' 'The Senate, the Senate,' murmured Maximus, as if reminded of something he had long forgotten.

'They must needs lack my voice, I fear.