Her first offering of two-year-olds sold at good prices. She was
encouraged, felt herself completely an adept, and would take
no one's word about anything relating to horses, relying solely
on her own judgment.

All this would have subjected her to much reprehension had
Faltonius Bambilio survived. But he had died just about the time
of Almo's disappearance. His son, also named Faltonius Bambilio,
had taken up a political rather than a priestly life and was not to
be thought of as his successor. In his place Aurelius, on his way
to Syria, had nominated Lutorius Rusco, a man who impressed
everyone at first sight, and more and more the better anyone knew
him, as the paragon of a Pontifex. He was not lacking in ecclesiastical
unction, but did not wallow in it as had Bambilio. He was pious,
but did not think it necessary to advertise it day and night unremittingly.
He was not lax in religious matters, but he was no stickler for minute
trifles. He inspired confidence by every characteristic of his appearance
and behavior. He was a man somewhat over medium height, well built,
neither heavy nor large, with an unusually dignified bearing and carriage,
not a hint of self-assertion and with a genially comprehending smile.
It was impossible not to confide in him and unthinkable that confiding
in him should ever be regretted. Brinnaria confided in him and never
regretted it.

Of Almo's disappearance she talked to him freely; freely also she
talked of her feelings for Almo. He was as sympathetic and
comprehending as the Emperor and Empress and he encouraged her
to hope that Almo was yet alive, which she sometimes doubted.