Vinicius, though sad because Peter, to whom he owed so much, could not visit Antium, thanked him with gratitude, and then turned to the old Apostle with his last request,--"Knowing Lygia's dwelling," said he, "I might have gone to her and asked, as is proper, whether she would take me as husband should my soul become Christian, but I prefer to ask thee, O Apostle! Permit me to see her, or take me thyself to her. I know not how long I shall be in Antium; and remember that near Cæsar no one is sure of to-morrow. Petronius himself told me that I should not be altogether safe there. Let me see her before I go; let me delight my eyes with her; and let me ask her if she will forget my evil and return good."
Peter smiled kindly and said,--"But who could refuse thee a proper joy, my son?"
Vinicius stooped again to Peter's hands, for he could not in any way restrain his overflowing heart. The Apostle took him by the temples and said,--"Have no fear of Cæsar, for I tell thee that a hair will not fall from thy head."
He sent Miriam for Lygia, telling her not to say who was with them, so as to give the maiden more delight.
It was not far; so after a short time those in the chamber saw among the myrtles of the garden Miriam leading Lygia by the hand.
Vinicius wished to run forth to meet her; but at sight of that beloved form happiness took his strength, and he stood with beating heart, breathless, barely able to keep his feet, a hundred times more excited than when for the first time in life he heard the Parthian arrows whizzing round his head.
She ran in, unsuspecting; but at sight of him she halted as if fixed to the earth. Her face flushed, and then became very pale; she looked with astonished and frightened eyes on those present.
But round about she saw clear glances, full of kindness. The Apostle Peter approached her and asked,--"Lygia, dost thou love him as ever?"
A moment of silence followed. Her lips began to quiver like those of a child who is preparing to cry, who feels that it is guilty, but sees that it must confess the guilt.
Then, with humility, obedience, and fear in her voice, she whispered, kneeling at the knees of Peter,--"I do."
In one moment Vinicius knelt at her side. Peter placed his hands on their heads, and said,--"Love each other in the Lord and to His glory, for there is no sin in your love."