His words came rolling out in a deep, husky, guttural tone, or leaped forth hissing with anger.

Some officials stood by the king's door with fear and dread upon their faces.

A young woman of singular beauty was among them.
"O Salome, daughter of Herod," said one, "the king would have you come to-morrow.

He is in ill humor with the plotters." "And I with him," said she, stamping her foot.
An usher had presented Vergilius at the door.

As Herod's daughter proudly turned away, she came face to face with the young Roman noble.
For one moment their eyes held each other.