Revolutions might rock the city and Empire; Marians and Sullians contend; Catilina plot ruin and destruction; Clodius and his ruffians terrorize the streets; but the fire of the great hearth-goddess was never scattered, nor were its gentle ministers molested.

Fabia had thus grown to mature womanhood.

Ten years she had spent in learning the Temple ritual, ten years in performing the actual duties of the sacred fire and its cultus, ten years in teaching the young novices.

And now she was free, if she chose, to leave the Temple service, and even to marry.

But Fabia had no intention of taking a step which would tear her from the circle in which she was dearly loved, and which, though permitted by law, would be publicly deplored as an evil omen.
The Vestal's pure simple life had left its impress on her features.
Peace and innocent delight in innocent things shone through her dark eyes and soft, well-rounded face.