Thou wilt not leave this house till evening, and when night falls thou wilt go with me to Ostrianum." Fear and hesitation were reflected on the Greek's face for a time; but afterward he grew calm, and said,--"Who can oppose thee, lord! Receive these my words as of good omen, just as our great hero received words like them in the temple of Ammon.

As to me, these 'scruples'" (here he shook the purse) "have outweighed mine, not to mention thy society, which for me is delight and happiness." Vinicius interrupted him impatiently, and asked for details of his conversation with Ursus.

From them it seemed clear that either Lygia's hiding-place would be discovered that night, or he would be able to seize her on the road back from Ostrianum.

At thought of this, Vinicius was borne away by wild delight.

Now, when he felt clearly sure of finding Lygia, his anger against her, and his feeling of offence almost vanished.