The Roman Traitor (Vol. 1 of 2) - The UK Mirror Service

THE LOVERS 37
purpose, not of corporeal resolution, for that was disproved by
one glance at the decided curve of his bold clean-cut mouth, and
the square outlines of his massive jaw, which seemed almost to
betoken fierceness. There was a quick short flash at times, keen
as the falcon's, in the unsteady eye, that told of energy enough
within and stirring spirit to prompt daring deeds, the momentary
irresolution conquered. There was a frank and cheery smile that
oftentimes belied the auguries drawn from the other features;
and, more than all, there was a tranquil sweet expression, which
now and then pervaded the whole countenance, altering for the [42]
better its entire character, and betokening more mind and deeper
feelings, than would at first have been suspected from his aspect.
His dress was the ordinary tunic of the day, of plain white
woollen stuff, belted about the middle by a girdle, which contained
his ivory tablets, and the metallic pencil used for writing
on their waxed surface, together with his handkerchief and purse;
but nothing bearing the semblance of a weapon, not so much
even as a common knife. His legs and arms were bare, his
feet being protected merely by sandals of fine leather having the
clasps or fibulæ of gold; as was the buckle of his girdle, and one
huge signet ring, which was his only ornament.
His toga, which had been laid aside on entering the saloon, as
was the custom of the Romans in their own families, or among
private friends, hung on the back of an armed chair; of ample size
and fine material, but undistinguished by the marks of senatorial
or equestrian rank. Such was the aspect, such the bearing of the
youth, who might be safely deemed the girl's permitted suitor,
from his whole air and manner, as he listened to the soft voice of
his beautiful mistress. For as they sat there side by side, perusing
from an illuminated scroll the elegies of some long-perished,
long-forgotten poet, now reading audibly the smooth and honeyed
lines, now commenting with playful criticism on the style,
or carrying out with all the fervor and romance of young poetical
temperament the half obscure allusions of the bard, no one could