If you are well it is well with me.

Perhaps you have heard how the plots of the conspirators against my dear friend and financial client Quintus Drusus have been frustrated, thanks, next to the god, to the wit and dexterity of Agias, who has been of late your slave.  Drusus as soon as he had fairly beaten off the gladiators sent at once for me, to aid him and certain other of his friends in taking the confession of one Phaon, the freedman of Lucius Ahenobarbus, whom Agias had contrived to entrap in Gabii, and hold prisoner until the danger was over.  Phaon’s confession puts us in complete possession of all the schemes of the plotters; and it will be well for you to inform that worthy young gentleman, Lucius Ahenobarbus, that I only forbear to prosecute him, and Pratinas, who really made him his supple tool, because I am a peaceable man who would not bring scandal upon an old and noble family.  If, however, anything should befall Drusus which should indicate that fresh plots against his life were on foot, let Ahenobarbus be assured that I can no more regard him so leniently.  I may add that since it was through a marriage with you that Ahenobarbus expected to profit by the murder, I have already advised Drusus that, according to the decisions of several of the most eminent jurisconsulti,[121] a property provision such as his father inserted in his will would not be binding, especially in view of the present facts of the case.  Drusus has accordingly prepared a new will which, if questioned, I shall defend in the courts with all my power.  Farewell.”

  [121] Expounders of the Roman law.

Lentulus turned and glared with sullen amazement at his niece.  That Ahenobarbus should conspire against Drusus seemed the most natural thing in the world.  That the news that the conspiracy had failed should come from such a quarter, and through the hands of his own niece, at once terrified and angered him.  Lucius was standing gaping, in half horror, half fascination, at Cornelia.  Had she not urged him on?  Had she not almost expressed her wish for Drusus’s blood?  The name of Flaccus fell on his heart like a stone; for the great banker never went back when he had taken a stand, and was rich enough to corrupt the most lax and merciful jury.  Ahenobarbus felt a trap snap upon him, and yet he had no hope of revenge.

“Cornelia,” cried Lentulus, regaining at last the powers of speech, “why was this letter sent to you?  What to you is that wretched youth, Quintus Drusus, who escaped a fate he richly deserved?  Why do you not condole with your lover on his misfortune?  What do you mean by your stony stare, your—­”

“I mean,” retorted Cornelia, every word coming as a deep pant from her heaving chest, while her fingers clasped and unclasped nervously, and the blood surged to her pallid cheeks, “I mean that I need no longer profess to love what I hate; to cherish what I despise; to fondle what I loathe; to cast soft looks on that which I would pierce with daggers!” And she in turn took a step, quick and menacing, toward her wretched lover, who cowered and shrank back into the shadow of a pillar.