"Can you imagine me a god?" he asked.

"I can imagine you an emperor," said Sextus. "It is true; you have no
following among the legions just at present. But I make one, and there
are plenty of energetic men who think as I do. My friend Norbanus here
will follow me. My father--"


Noises near the open window interrupted him. An argument seemed to be
going on between the slaves whom Pertinax had set to keep the roisterers
away and some one who demanded admission. Near at hand was a woman's
voice, shrilling and scolding. Then another voice--Scylax, the slave
who had ridden the red mare. Pertinax strode to the window again and
leaned out. Cornificia whispered to Galen:

"If the truth were known, he is afraid of Flavia Titiana. As a wife she
is bad enough, but as an empress--"

Galen nodded.

"If you love your Pertinax," he answered, "keep him off the throne! He
has too many scruples."

She frowned, having few, which were firm and entirely devoted to
Pertinax' fortune.

"Love him? I would give him up to see him deified!" she whispered; and
again Galen nodded, deeply understanding.

"That is because you have never had children," he assured her, smiling.