She took the tablets from Herennia's hand, without a word, read the falsehoods once, twice, thrice.

The meaning of the day attached to the terms used intimated the existence of a low intrigue, quite as much as any honourable "engagement." If Cornelia did not soon become the lawful wife of Lucius Ahenobarbus, the world would feel justified in piling scandal upon her name.

The blow was numbing in its brutality.

Instead of crying and execrating the liars, as Herennia fully expected her to do, Cornelia merely handed back the tablets, and said with cold dignity, "I think some very unfortunate mistake has been made.

Lucius Ahenobarbus is no friend of mine.