When you wish us to
return send one of the children for us."
The joy of the two at the sight of their mother, sensible and able to
recognize them, was pathetic. Sobbing and laughing, they flung themselves
on the bed and embraced her, kissing her and she kissing each.
We went out and set to chopping and riving wood.
Before very long Secunda came out and said her mother wanted to speak to
me. Leaving Agathemer plying his maul I went in.
The woman was now well propped up against a heap of pillows. She told the
children to run off and play till she sent for them. Then she motioned me
to seat myself on the chest. I did so.
She regarded me fixedly, as she had while Agathemer had gone for the
children. When she spoke she asked:
"What god do you worship?"
I was amazed at this unusual and unexpected question and hesitated a
moment before I answered:
"Mercury, chiefly. Of course, Jupiter and Juno; Dionysius, Apollo,
Minerva. But most of all Mercury."
She sighed.
"I had expected a very different answer," she said. "But, whatever god or
gods you worship, you are a good man and your servant is a good man. I am
amazed. My children were truthful till I fell ill. I am sure they could
not have changed in one winter.
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