To-night take him to dine with you." "I had so planned." A gong of silver rang in the palace halls.

It was the signal to prepare for dinner, and the guests made their farewells.

Soon Appius and the young lover walked side by side in the direction of the Palatine.
"And what have you been doing ?" the former inquired, presently.
"Only dreaming." "Of what ?" "Of love and happiness, and your sister." "My sister ?" "Yes; I love her and wish to make her my wife." "You have wealth and birth and wit and good prospects.

I can see no objection to you.

But love--love is a thing for women to talk about." "You are wrong, Appius.