Roman gossip, always busy with the fair Greek, told many a strange story to account for her rigour towards the master of Rome, who was well known to have made advances to her.

So when to-day they were seen sitting side by side, conversing vivaciously, curiosity went on tiptoe.

The entertainment over, Heliodora was carried home in her litter, no friend accompanying her.

Few nowadays were the persons in Rome who bade guests to their table; even the richest had no great superfluity of viands.

After sunset, the city became a dark and silent desert, save when watch-fires glared and soldiers guarded the walls.
As was the case with all Romans who not long ago had commanded a multitude of slaves and freedmen, Heliodora's household was much reduced.