I ate and drank all that was on the tray, and Agathemer vanished noiselessly, without a word.
I sat there, revived by the food and wine, feeling the weakness caused by my rage gradually passing off and meditating on the sudden change in my condition.

Before Capito accosted me I had felt perfectly well and was looking forward to resuming my normal life next day, to going to the Palace Levee, to enjoying a bath with my acquaintances at the Thermae of Titus.

Since Capito had left me I had felt so overcome that I was ready to look forward to some days yet of strict regimen and isolation.
Thus meditating I was again aware of footsteps on the walk.
I looked up and was more amazed than when I had caught sight of Capito.
Approaching me, but a few paces from me, was one of the most detestable bores in Rome, a man whom I sedulously avoided, Faltonius Bambilio.

His father, the Pontifex of Vesta, was an offensively and absurdly unctuous and pompous man.

His son, who had already held several minor offices in the City Government, had been one of the quaestors the year before, and so was now a senator.