Acte understood then why Lygia could not become the concubine of any man.

Before the face of Nero's former favorite was drawn aside, as it were, a corner of that veil which hides a world altogether different from that to which she was accustomed.

She was astonished by prayer in that abode of crime and infamy.

A moment earlier it had seemed to her that there was no rescue for Lygia; now she began to think that something uncommon would happen, that some aid would come,--aid so mighty that Caesar himself would be powerless to resist it; that some winged army would descend from the sky to help that maiden, or that the sun would spread its rays beneath her feet and draw her up to itself.

She had heard of many miracles among Christians, and she thought now that everything said of them was true, since Lygia was praying.
Lygia rose at last, with a face serene with hope.