May all be well with you." "Well, what do you say to that ?" asked Titianus, taking the letter from his wife's hand.

"Is it not more than vexatious--our work was going on so splendidly." "But," said Julia thoughtfully and with a meaning smile.

"Perhaps it might not have been finished in time.

As matters now stand it need not be complete, and Hadrian will see the good intention all the same.

I am glad about the letter, for it takes a great responsibility off your otherwise overloaded shoulders." "You always see the right side," cried the prefect.