Chapter 53

And as they discussed the matter, a youth knocked upon the door of the home of Septimus Favonius. Beneath the shadow of the tree along the wall darker shadows crouched. A slave bearing a lamp came to the door in answer to the knocking and, speaking through a small grille, asked who was without and what the nature of his business was. “I am the son of Tabernarius,” said the youth. “I have brought fabrics from the shop of my father that the daughter of Septimus Favonius may inspect them.” The slave hesitated. “You mu…