Hypatia was estatic. She had understood enough of the Latin to know her father was coming. She watched one of the bidders confront Sextus and make some demands. This bidder was the same lady who had come down to the pens and spoken to her. But Hypatia had done the "look stupid" act. Unfortunately she had reacted to the Greek before she could stop herself.

Eventually Sextus made his way to her side, removed her chains and took her to his office. He gave her the letter to read.

"My daughter Hypatia Solon, is NOT for sale at any price. If I find that she is sold, I will be removing her from the household without compensation. She is a free woman and a Roman citizen. I will be at Pompeii to collect her within 2 weeks of the date of this letter. Signed Stephanos Solon."

Hypatia looked with a huge smile of relief on her face. "So what happens now? Where do I live while I am waitng for father to arrive?"