The word of the aged Maxima was law in the little community.

Fabia told herself that Fonteia was right--not even Gabinius would dare to set unhallowed foot inside the Atrium Vestae.
But the vision of the coarse, sensual face of her unloved lover was ever before her.

In ordinary times she would have been tempted to go to one of the consuls and demand that Fonteia be overruled; but in ordinary times there would not have been the least need of adding to the already sufficient city watch.

It lacked four hours of midnight before she brought herself to take her tablets and write the following brief note:-- "Fabia the Vestal to Agias her good friend, greeting.

I am in some anxiety to-night.