The sister of Appius had begun to try it in secret prayers.

Her mother had fallen ill of a deadly fever so that none had hope of her recovery, and the girl had prayed, and, lo! her prayer had been answered.

Letters from Vergilius, full of the new light in him, had confirmed her faith.

And Arria confided to her family and intimates knowledge of her devotion to the one God.

Soon the religion of Judea had become a topic of patrician Rome.
When Vergilius had left the capital, Antipater came every day for a time to the palace of the Lady Lucia, and brought with him many beautiful gifts.