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"But why?" Proculus persisted.

"I might get scratched," said the strong man, "and I don't want to show it if possible."

At this moment several senators with their wives and guests came to fill the chairs to right and left of them. Greetings, introductions of Proculus to the newcomers and various chat occupied some little time. By and by Proculus came to a lull in his talk with his left-hand neighbor and found Balbinus momentarily disengaged and questioned him.

"Is Fonteia with the Vestals? I can't make her out?"

Balbinus peered across the arena. The Vestals thad just entered and were settling themselves in their chairs.

"That's Fonteia in lavender. She's between Causidiena on her right with gray hair, and Manlia; Gargilia is the one with the black hair on the left end."

"Fonteia is too young and too slender for lavender," said Proculus.

"That's what I tell her," said Balbinus. "I say lavender is for fat old women. But she will wear it."

Just then the imperial cortège began to fill the dais and the audience burst into the quick staccato three-bar song of greeting to the Emperor,