She herself had been Nero's favorite.

Her heart, though good, could not feel clearly the shame of such a relation.

A former slave, she had grown too much inured to the law of slavery; and, besides, she loved Nero yet.

If he returned to her, she would stretch her arms to him, as to happiness.
Comprehending clearly that Lygia must become the mistress of the youthful and stately Vinicius, or expose Aulus and Pomponia to ruin, she failed to understand how the girl could hesitate.
"In Caesar's house," said she, after a while, "it would not be safer for thee than in that of Vinicius." And it did not occur to her that, though she told the truth, her words meant, "Be resigned to fate and become the concubine of Vinicius." As to Lygia, who felt on her lips yet his kisses, burning as coals and full of beastly desire, the blood rushed to her face with shame at the mere thought of them.
"Never," cried she, with an outburst, "will I remain here, or at the house of Vinicius,--never!" "But," inquired Acte, "is Vinicius hateful to thee ?" Lygia was unable to answer, for weeping seized her anew.

Acte gathered the maiden to her bosom, and strove to calm her excitement.