The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

Avas terribly perplexed hoAv to break the neAvs to Sempronia , and what to do with her . If she remained in his house Lais Avould become cognisant of her existence , and others too , for his scheme of ambition , included a handsomely appointed table , and a house full of s-uests . Yet he could not

forego Lais , he Avas mad to possess her , and this madness led him to commit deeds from Avhich in other moments he Avould have shrunk . Although Bacchanalians , Lais and Phryne Avere too cautious to imitate the excesses of their fellows . Whenever

the dance greAV violent , they quietly Avithdrew , and left others to pursue the diabolic revelry . After his interview AA'ith Lais , he resolved to have an understanding AA'ith Sempronia . Sempronia Avas plying the distaff as he entered . She lifted her eyes , once bright as stars , but UOAV sad with the AA'ater courses of tears . Her features

once round and beautiful , Avere now spare and haggard ; grief had been busily at Avork in her heart , aud the once lovely Sempronia Avas but a storm tossed Avreck on the ocean of life . Even the heart of Balbus smote him as he looked upon

her , and if such a feeling Avere capable of penetrating his soul , remorse at that moment touched it . " Thou lookest but poorly , Sempronia , Wilt thou not be persuaded to try another clime ?"

" Could that clime bring forgetfulness , Balbus , then Avould I gladly seek it . But the Elysian fields Avould be Phlegathon Avith the vulture gnawing at my heart . " ¦ " Nay , Sempronia , let not this unavailing AVOC

crush thy spirits . Credit me , change of scene Avould Avork a marvellous change . Why not try the sunny land of Greece . Who could . knoAV thee there ?"

" Were I to Avalk the streets of Rome at the broad noontide , Avho Avould recognise in these Avasted lineaments , a daughter of the Sempronii , the once beautiful priestess of the chaste Vesta ?" " Why recall the past . I have forgot it . "

"Aye , doubtless , " replied Sempronia , AA'ith scornful bitterness , "\ vhat is the past to thee , nothing . Dost thou believe in the vengeance of the outraged Vesta , or in the blasting curse of heaven ?"

" Enough for the day is the evil thereof . When death comes then Ave Avill speak of the hereafter . I Avish you Sempronia to leave Rome , money shall not be wanting , Avealth sufficient to beggar your Avishes . "

" No , I leave not Rome . I leave not the place of my birth , Avhere the urns of my ancestors lie . I know not but to surrender myself up to the cruel death they have doomed me , would be preferable to this horrible life : such a sacrifice

might please the gods . " " Ancl I , Sempronia , " asked Balbus , in affright . " Oh , rest easy , " said Sempronia sombrely , " I have no desire to give myself up yet , or ruin

you . " Curse her , " muttered Balbus , " can she be hatching some plot to ruin me . What evil spirit tempted me to link myself Avith her . I have told you , " he saicl aloud , " I Avish you to leave Rome .. I am about to make some change in my household

affairs . " Sempronia looked keenly at him , and then said quietly . " Do you intend to marry ?" " I do , and that is AA'hy I wish you hence . " " Aye , " replied Sempronia , " the mistress must

give place to the Avife , perfectly just , and I acknowledge that my presence would be embarassing .. Let me hoAvever remain here till the last moment . Two days before you bring her home , tell me , and . I shall go . "

"Money in abundance shall go Avith you , " said Balbus , delighted at her condunt , " as much money as you please . I shall have a ship with a faithful crew to accompany you . " " Good . I accept all your offers . NOAV

leaveme . Balbus left the room Avith a jaunty satisfied air ,, and Sempronia gazed after him with a deadly eye . " Go , go , " she muttered , " in confidence , in security , but Avhen the hour of thy triumph has

come , ancl thou thinkest that life ' s wildest joys are spread out in a banquet before thee , then beware , for the time of my vengeance has arrived . " Balbus went jauntily towards the house of

Murtius , and he thought how silly Avomen Avere , IIOAV easily led by the nose—especially by one so clever as himself . Then the future stretched out before him AA'ith its mighty vista of greatness : the uncle of Cains , AA'hat might he not aspire to , the

Consulship , perhaps the Praetorship , who knew , perhaps even a prouder honour than that . The JeAvish blood sAvelled in his bosom , aye , the imperial diadem might be his—for Avas his Avealth not fabulous ; easy for him to buy the soldiery . What