The blade was very sharp; and there was a sticky gum all along the edge,--deadly poison; only a very slight scratch put one beyond aid of physician.
The bitterest cup of all was the attitude she felt forced to assume toward Lucius Ahenobarbus.

There were limits of familiarity and simulated affection beyond which she could not drive herself to go.
Lucius was with her at all hours and in all places.

The more she saw of him the more she abhorred his effeminate sensuality and lack of almost every quality that made life worth the living.

But she must--she must learn the plot against Drusus, and precisely how and when the trap was to be sprung.

And in a measure, at least so far as Lucius was concerned, she succeeded.