All these door-ways, into what seemed to be at once the dining and sitting-room of the steward, were bereft of doors, and could only be closed by stuff curtains, just now drawn wide open.

Pontius could therefore look in, unhindered and unperceived, at the table on which a three-branched bronze lamp was standing between a dish and some plates.

The stout man was sitting with his rubicund moon-face towards the architect, who, indignant as he was, would have gone straight up to him with swift decision, if, before entering the second room, a low but pitiful sob had not fallen on his ear.
The sob proceeded from a slight young girl who came forward from a door beyond the sitting-room, and who now placed a platter with a loaf on the table by the steward.
"Come, do not cry, Selene," said the steward, breaking the bread slowly and with an evident desire to soothe his child.
"How can I help crying," said the girl.

"But tomorrow morning let me buy a piece of meat for you; the physician forbade you to eat bread." "Man must be filled," replied the fat man, "and meat is dear.

I have nine mouths to fill, not counting the slaves.