"I am sure whatever is on the menu tonight will be up to your usual high standards, Etruscilla. You are always a meticulous and consummate hostess," I tell her and her blush deepens even more.

I find it charming that a woman of such self-assurance as Etruscilla is yet humble and still blushes when given compliments. She is a delightful creature, as is her younger cousin.

"I must say that both of you are looking very well this evening. I am a lucky man to find myself in such company."

Achillas and a young woman who appears to be another servant in the household enter the dining area.

"Dinner is about to be served," the young lady announces, and retreats again, I assume, to start bringing in the food.

Achillas pours the wind, and as he finishes filling the last glass, he looks up, acknowledging my presence with an almost imperceptible nod of his head. He indicates to Varilla her place to recline as I see to Etruscilla's comfort and then to my own.