The Flame-Flower 43

offerings at your feet and to wish you
gladness.”

“T am indisposed,” Honora said, “let
them rejoice without me.”

Evan took the child by the hand, and
went out, wondering. In the room that was
- called ‘“triclinium,’ which had been the
dining - hall of Licinius, the serving -men
laid boards upon trestles, preparing a feast.
Some vessels of silver and of glass there
were, which Patricia had given to Honora’s
mother in the days past; and many meats
were being prepared, for the people had
learned some of the luxury of their con-
querors. Some men spread sweet-scented
herbs and rushes upon the floor, and others
hung up branches and garlands of flowers.
Then came the freemen, bringing gifts of
corn, and bracelets and brooches of silver-
work and of bronze and carved stone. So
they sat down to the feast, and Evan excused
Honora, saying she was sick ; but the feast
was a sad one, save for the presence of
the child Flamma, whom the freemen took
upon their knees, caressing her golden hair.