"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."--EPHESIANS VI. 13.
Without looking to right or left he strode across the atrium.
"A cloak quickly," he commanded as Dion and Nolus, obedient and expectant of orders, rushed forward at his approach.
From the triclinium on the right came the sound of loud laughter and the strains of a bibulous song, voices raised in gaiety and pleasure: Taurus Antinor recognised that of Caius Nepos, fluent and mellow, and that of my lord Hortensius Martius resonant and clear.
To what their revelries meant he did not give a thought. Dea had told him why these men had come to her house. The intrigues hatched two days ago over a supper-table were finding their culmination now.
