He had not long departed, when Carrio again entered the apartment, and
addressed his master thus:
'It is grievous for me, revered patron, to disclose it to you, but your
slaves have returned unsuccessful from the search!'
'Give the description of the girl to a fresh division of them, and let
them continue their efforts throughout the night, not only in the
streets, but in all the houses of public entertainment in the city. She
must be in Rome, and she must be found!' said the senator gloomily.
Carrio bowed profoundly, and was about to depart, when he was arrested
at the door by his master's voice.
'If an old man, calling himself Numerian, should desire to see me,' said
Vetranio, 'admit him instantly.'
'She had quitted the room but a short time when I attempted to reclaim
her,' pursued the senator, speaking to himself; 'and yet when I gained
the open air, she was nowhere to be seen! She must have mingled
unintentionally with the crowds whom the Goths drove into the city, and
thus have eluded my observation! So young and so innocent! She must be
found! She must be found!'
He paused, once more engrossed in deep and melancholy thought.
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