Pomponia's cheeks became pallid.

In the doors leading from the corridor to the oecus, terrified faces of slaves began to show themselves a second time.
"The will of Caesar must be accomplished," said Aulus.
"Aulus!" exclaimed Pomponia, embracing the maiden with her arms, as if wishing to defend her, "it would be better for her to die." Lygia, nestling up to her breast, repeated, "Mother, mother!" unable in her sobbing to find other words.
On Aulus's face anger and pain were reflected again.

"If I were alone in the world," said he, gloomily, "I would not surrender her alive, and my relatives might give offerings this day to 'Jupiter Liberator.' But I have not the right to kill thee and our child, who may live to happier times.

I will go to Caesar this day, and implore him to change his command.

Whether he will hear me, I know not.