Page:The Song of the Sirens.djvu/202



"How on earth can that be possible," Antony wondered.

"I come of the Scaevolas, you know," Mucia reminded him.

"Oh yes," he drawled, ruminating. "Seems to me I remember that their women must never enter a camp. But I thought of course you'd left all that behind when you married."

"Not till to-day," she exclaimed.

"Showing you about will be a treat indeed," he laughed delightedly.

Mucia, in her interest, walked rapidly, scorning the suggestion of a litter and bearers for her comfort. Antony had never convoyed a lady who made the round of the camp so fast. When their tour was fairly complete she burst out.

"I don't care about so many square feet for so many horses nor anything like that. A camp is fascinating and you are a good showman, but you have shown me everything except what I want to see. I want to see the treasure, the ingots, the coins, the goblets, the vases, the bowls, the statuettes, the tables, the sofas, the rugs, the tapestries, the hangings, the awnings, the embroideries; all they will carry in the triumph. And especially the jewels; the jewels most of all."

"That is the only thing you could ask to see," Antony replied, chapfallen, "which I cannot show you. The treasure is under strict guard