His face wore a mysterious smile.
"I have a rather strange piece of news for you, my lady," he said.

"A chamberlain of the court has just been here, and brings a royal command." "I am not accustomed to being commanded," interrupted Cornelia, all her Roman haughtiness rising.
"I do not think you will be found disobedient.

The queen, it seems, noticed you in my carriage yesterday, and at once divined, with that wonderfully quick wit of hers, that you must be a Roman lady of rank.
She immediately made inquiries, and now sends her chamberlain to ask you and the Lady Fabia, as well as myself, to dine with her at the palace to-night.

You may be sure nothing will be lacking to do you honour." Cornelia meekly acquiesced in this royal mandate.

Fabia, however, could not stir from the house.