She is Pearl-Maiden, the captive who made the quarrel between the Caesars and Domitian, of which all Rome is talking.

Gently, I tell you, gently, for many free princesses are worth less to-day." Hearing this, the man bowed to Miriam, almost with reverence, and begged her to follow him to a place that had been set apart for her.

She obeyed, passing through a great number of people, of whom all she could see in the gloom of the breaking dawn was that, like herself, they were captives, to a little chamber where she was left alone watching the light grow through the lattice, and listening to the hum of voices that rose without, mingled now and again with sobs and wails of grief.
Presently the door opened and a servant entered with bread on a platter and milk in an earthenware vessel.

These she took thankfully, knowing that she would need food to support her during the long day, but scarcely had she begun to eat when a slave appeared clad in the imperial livery, and bearing a tray of luxurious meats served in silver vessels.
"Pearl-Maiden," he said, "my master, Domitian, sends you greeting and this present.

The vessels are your own, and will be kept for you, but he bids me add, that to-night you shall sup off dishes of gold." Miriam made no answer, though one rose to her lips; but after the man had departed, with her foot she overset the tray so that the silver vases fell clattering to the floor, where the savory meats were spilled.