Antipater rose and led her to Vergilius.
"The girl is yours," said he.

"I am glad to be done with her.

Come, all." They followed him to the palace, and Vergilius bade the girl dress and be ready to join his pedisequi in the outer hall.

She knelt before him and kissed the border of his tunic.
"Oh, my young master!" said she, "I shall be of those who part the briers in your way." Then she hurried to obey him.
"I would speak with you, noble son of Varro," said Antipater, beckoning.
Vergilius followed to the deep atrium of the palace, where they stood alone.
"You have one thing I desire, and I will pay you five thousand aurei to relinquish it--five thousand aurei," the Jew whispered.
"And what is it you would buy of me, noble prince ?" "A mere plaything! A bouquet that will fade shortly and be flung aside.

The thing happens to suit my fancy, and--and I can afford it." In the moment of silence that followed this remark a stern look of inquiry came into the face of Vergilius.
"Man, do you not know?
'Tis the sister of Appius," Antipater added, lightly.
"Cur of Judea!" hissed the knight, his sword flashing out of its scabbard, "I shall cut you down and fling you out to the dogs.