"I was told at the baths to-day that Caesar escorted the lady
home. Unfortunately old Quintus Lutatius had come back from his
villa in Campania, in a whim of jealousy. He was not expected
for three days. There was a fine tumult. The old fool called
for his sword and his slaves, cursed his wife, and swore that he
would cut Caesar's throat."

"And Caesar?"

"He laughed, quoted Anacreon, trussed his gown round his left
arm, closed with Quintus, flung him down, twisted his sword out
of his hand, burst through the attendants, ran a freed-man
through the shoulder, and was in the street in an instant."

"Well done! Here he comes. Good-day, Caius."

Caesar lifted his head at the salutation. His air of deep
abstraction vanished; and he extended a hand to each of the
friends.

"How are you after your last night's exploit?"

"As well as possible," said Caesar, laughing.

"In truth we should rather ask how Quintus Lutatius is."

"He, I understand, is as well as can be expected of a man with a
faithless spouse and a broken head. His freed-man is most
seriously hurt. Poor fellow! he shall have half of whatever I