Of Heliodora there was
no talk.
Another day he passed in sauntering; nothing that he could perceive
in those with whom he talked gave hint of menace to his safety.
Then, early the next morning, he turned his steps to the Quirinal.
As usual, he was straightway admitted to Heliodora's house, but had
to wait awhile until the lady could receive him. Gloomily
thoughtful, standing with eyes fixed upon those of the great bust of
Berenice, he was startled by a sudden cry from within the house, the
hoarse yell of a man in agony; it was repeated, and became a long
shriek, rising and falling in terrible undulation. He had stepped
forward to seek an explanation, when Heliodora's eunuch smilingly
came to meet him.
'What is that?' asked Marcian, his nerves a-quiver.
'The noble lady has ordered a slave to be punished,' was the
cheerful reply.
'What is his fault?'
'Illustrious, I know not,' answered the eunuch more gravely.
The fearful sounds still continuing, Marcian turned as though to
hurry away; but the eunuch, following, implored him not to go, for
his departure would but increase Heliodora's wrath.
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