"It is well that I came home, for I can await Caesar with a much lighter heart.

Let me lock up the letter, and then farewell.

This parting is for some hours from you, and from all peace for many days." Titianus gave her his hand.

She held it firmly and said: "Before you go I must confess to you that I am very proud." "You have every right to be." "But you have not said a word to me about keeping silence." "Because you have kept other tests--still, to be sure, you are a woman, and a very handsome one besides." "An old grandmother, with grey hair!" "And still more upright and more charming than a thousand of the most admired younger beauties." "You are trying to convert my pride into vanity, in my old age." "No, no! I was only looking at you with an examining eye, as our talk led me to do, and I remembered that Sabina had lamented that handsome Julia was not looking well.

But where is there another woman of your age with such a carriage, such unwrinkled features, so clear a brow, such deep kind eyes, such beautifully-polished arms--" "Be quiet," exclaimed his wife.