It was evident that he was restraining an outburst.

At last, from a feeling of helplessness, sorrow, anger, and invincible yearning, two tears gathered in his eyes, which spoke with greater power to Petronius than the most eloquent words.
Then, meditating for a moment, he said,--"It is not Atlas who carries the world on his shoulders, but woman; and sometimes she plays with it as with a ball." "True," said Vinicius.
And they began to take farewell of each other.

But at that moment a slave announced that Chilo Chilonides was waiting in the antechamber, and begged to be admitted to the presence of the lord.
Vinicius gave command to admit him immediately, and Petronius said,--"Ha! have I not told thee?
By Hercules! keep thy calmness; or he will command thee, not thou him." "A greeting and honor to the noble tribune of the army, and to thee, lord," said Chilo, entering.

"May your happiness be equal to your fame, and may your fame course through the world from the pillars of Hercules to the boundaries of the Arsacidae." "A greeting, O lawgiver of virtue and wisdom," answered Petronius.
But Vinicius inquired with affected calmness, "What dost thou bring ?" "The first time I came I brought thee hope, O lord; at present, I bring certainty that the maiden will be found." "That means that thou hast not found her yet ?" "Yes, lord; but I have found what that sign means which she made.

I know who the people are who rescued her, and I know the God among whose worshippers to seek her." Vinicius wished to spring from the chair in which he was sitting; but Petronius placed his hand on his shoulder, and turning to Chilo said,--"Speak on!" "Art thou perfectly certain, lord, that she drew a fish on the sand ?" "Yes," burst out Vinicius.
"Then she is a Christian and Christians carried her away." A moment of silence followed.
"Listen, Chilo," said Petronius.