...I can tell she is going to be a problem. I asked the hotel manager to introduce me to the most prosperous and pompous merchant he knows of. After being introduced to Xanxost of the phatra Xanithippos, I invited the wine merchant, and the captain of his guard, to dinner. We discussed various things and I suggested that a merchant must be known by the number of slaves that he kept. He agreed and I said that even though I come from a wealthy family, as a philosopher, I am judged more by the number of students I keep. "As a matter of fact," I continued, "I am currently in a position where I must sell one of my two slaves. My betrothed is beginning to get nervous ideas about my relationship with the younger of my two slaves, as young brides sometimes do. I will admit that Nemus is inclined to rather fanciful stories about her being my companion or student but, I ask you, what family would allow such a young girl to accompany a stranger without guardians or a written agreement. I was planning on having her tongue cut out but I will leave that decision to her new owner. In truth, the Areopagus sold her into slavery when she accidentally poisoned her lover with a poorly made love potion. Since I am not currently in need of money and since she is a bit difficult, I can let you have her for a bargain price. As to that dog she carries around with her, while many of my fellow philosophers agree a vicious dog is good to guard the oikos, it must be loyal to the master and not to the slave. I have heard that in some cities, dog is considered a delicacy but I know nothing of that. You can have the dog for whatever purpose as my gift." We agreed on a price and the merchant’s guard escorted Nemus (and Fido) out while she protested loudly.