When the architect, after begging him not to let Pollux know of the incident, told him of what had occurred in the screened-off studio, and how angry the young Roman lady had been at the caricature, which was certainly very offensive, Hadrian rubbed his hands and laughed aloud with delight.

Pontius ground his teeth, and then said very earnestly: "Balbilla seems to me a merry-hearted girl, but of a noble nature.

I see no reason to laugh at her." Hadrian looked keenly into the daring architect's eyes, laid his hand on his shoulder, and replied with a certain threatening accent in his deep voice: "It would be an evil moment for you, or for any one, who should do so in my presence.

But age may venture to play with edged tools, which children may not even touch.".