All over the Campagna the Feast of the Grapes had been celebrated that
day. The sounds of boisterous laughter, of loud singing, came to their
ears from the crowds who were passing outside the high walls
surrounding the entire estate.
"There is more noise than usual," remarked Octavia.
The sounds had changed. They grew menacing. People were quarreling
with each other. "It is nothing," replied Marcus. "Always on this
Feast, there is much drunkenness and revelry."
But his mother was uneasy.
"It is wiser for thee to return home at once, Martius," she said. "I
will carry thy chair, Virgilia. The bearers have been resting long."
"I have a strong stick," Martius said, laughing, "and Alexis is armed.
We can easily protect Virgilia."
"Is it not better for you to remain here," suggested Marcus. "We will
send a messenger to thy father."
"Nonsense. There is no danger. But it is wiser that we should start at
once. Later, there will be thousands returning home."
At that moment, the porter from the gate came running toward the
arbor.
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