In fact, when we entered I had three distinct shocks in quick succession.
Flashy, painted and rouged as I was I dreaded Orontides' eyes. There he
was behind his counter, visible through a rift in the press of handsomely
dressed customers of both sexes.
Instinctively I glanced at the only other interval in the line of absorbed
opulent backs.
Through it I recognized Agathemer smiling at me!
I saw that _he_, at least, recognized me at once and my dread of Orontides
intensified tenfold. I knew Agathemer would be discreet, loyal and trusty.
I dreaded to lose countenance if I kept my eyes on his face and I looked
elsewhere.
I recognized the back of Flavius Clemens!
If he turned round I felt I was lost. Yet I could not flee. Falco was
certain to linger in the shop. I must keep my self-control and prepare to
brazen out anything.
The next instant I recognized the back of the lady next Flavius Clemens.
Vedia!
As I recognized her she turned, saw me, knew me through my disguise,
flushed, and turned back.
I should not have been surprised if she had fainted and crumpled up on the
white and brown mosaic floor in front of the counter. She kept her feet
and her outward self-possession.
Clemens spoke to her in an undertone.
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