The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

Oaius , on the other hand , was plainly attired . His toga was bordered with a broad purple stripe , indicating his senatorial rank , and he wore the gold ring likewise , betokening his position in the social scale . Save these badges of his rank and

importance , there was little difference between his attire , and that of a simple citizen . As he and Balbus paced the streets , the people turned round to gaze upon the unwonted spectacle of the bravest soldier and the bravest dandy of Rome , walking

side by side . Balbus , vain of his companionship with one so distinguished as a citizen , a soldier , and a poet , laughed loudly to attract the attention of the populace , and ruffled proudly his gay plumes like a vain peacock , when he finds himself the

object of contemplation . Caius , unconscious of all this byplay , walked quietly by the side of the dandy , saluting his acquaintances as he passed them , without noticing the equivocol glances they cast upon his companion .

"What news from the palace , " asked Balbus , c ' does the great Emperor cast his eyes to other lands , or does he purpose to lead Rome ' s victorious legions to conquest once more , to cover them with fresh laurels ?"

" Such a scheme he hath upon the East , when lie has regulated the affairs of the city , " "Ha , is there aught requiring purgation in Rome ?" " So it would appear , if the priest Cassius is to

be believed , only to my mind he is too keen in hunting down humble bees , and finding abuses where none exist . Not to say but that in the centre city of the world , as Rome is , abuses do not exist , for where people of all nations meet , sin and sorrow are sure to arise . "

" Undoubtedly , but what has Cassius discovered now ?" " Destructive societies of course , the old story ofthe Christians seems to trouble his brain . Then he has found out a sect of philosophers , who preach

universal brotherhood and are resolved to abolish all power . Jove knows an universal brotherhood is to be desired , as such a society would end politics , and bring back the golden age . " " A mad dream that . What more ?"

" Ah the last is most serious . It would appear that a sect of these worshippers of Bacchus . . . "Worshippers of whom ? " said Balbus , stopping and looking Caius earnestly in the face . " Of Bacchus . Have yon heard of them ?" "I ! no . I beg your pardon . I thought

Rome had been too hot for them . It must be a mistake . " " My own impression . They have been taught too rude a lesson to raise their heads in Rome again , besides I cannot believe that men can be

so vile as to indulge in such hideous excesses , so repugnant to human nature , and so atrocious to virtue . "

" Who can tell , " replied Balbus , quietly , although his pulses beat with fury , " human nature is vastly depraved . " " I grant you that , but this is a pitch of depravity which exceeds belief . Cassius appears to be well informed . Genua the writer seems to have

had his eye upon them for a long while , and is authorised to spy them ont . " "Cenna is the informer , the groveller among mud . " " I hope for the honour of human nature , that

his information may prove false . It would be a great blot upon our fame , more especially when we see the example set us by the Empress and Trajan ' s sister . " Balbus was thunderstruck at the tidings . What

a mine threatened to open beneath his feet . This he resolved to meet with all promptitude , and he ground his teeth as he thought of Cenna . "You astonish me , Cassius , I hope with you that the tidings may prove false . Is there any

truth in the rumour that Trajan destines you to high honours ?" "How mean you ? " asked Oaius , "he has already covered me with them . More would crush me under a weight of gratitude which I

could never support . " " Oh , I daresay it is but Rome ' s gossip . I have heard it said he intends you marrying one of his family ?" " Nay , that is absurd . "

" So I imagined , but here we are at Murtius ' s house . " At the door they were met by the Athenian , who welcomed them with an ostentatious display of hospitality , and greeted Caius with a somewhat

overdrawn courtesy . He then conducted them to the bath room , where he bathed along with them , after which they changed their ordinary apparel for a festal gown , called the vestis convivialis . Their soleae or sandals were taken off by

slaves that they might not soil the rich furniture , and thereafter they were conducted to an apartment , where Lais , Phryne , and Myra sat to re-