He had some difficulty in inducing the porter to summon Fabia, to meet in personal interview a mere slave, but a gratuity won the point; and a minute later he was relating the whole story and the present situation of Drusus to Fabia, with a sincere directness that carried conviction with it.

She had known that Drusus had enemies; but now her whole strong nature was stirred at the sense of her nephew's imminent peril.
"If you were a freeman, Agias," were her words, "and could give witness as such, Pratinas and Ahenobarbus--high as the latter is--should know that my influence at the law outweighs theirs.

But they shall be thwarted.

I will go to Marcellus the consul, and demand that troops be started to Praeneste to-night.

But you must go after Phaon." "You will send word to Cornelia ?" requested Agias.
"Yes," said Fabia, "but not now; it is useless.