unperceived.

The sound of his voice thrilled through the very heart of Zoe.
With a convulsive effort she burst from the grasp of her insolent
admirer, flung herself at the feet of Caesar, and clasped his
knees. The moon shone full on her agitated and imploring face:
her lips moved; but she uttered no sound. He gazed at her for an
instant--raised her--clasped her to his bosom. "Fear nothing, my
sweet Zoe." Then, with folded arms, and a smile of placid
defiance, he placed himself between her and Clodius.

Clodius staggered forward, flushed with wine and rage, and
uttering alternately a curse and a hiccup.

"By Pollux, this passes a jest. Caesar, how dare you insult me
thus?"

"A jest! I am as serious as a Jew on the Sabbath. Insult you;
for such a pair of eyes I would insult the whole consular bench,
or I should be as insensible as King Psammis's mummy."

"Good Gods, Caesar!" said Marcus Coelius, interposing; "you
cannot think it worth while to get into a brawl for a little
Greek girl!"

"Why not? The Greek girls have used me as well as those of Rome.
Besides, the whole reputation of my gallantry is at stake. Give
up such a lovely woman to that drunken boy! My character would
be gone for ever. No more perfumed tablets, full of vows and
raptures. No more toying with fingers at the circus. No more