"Yes, Alcaeus. Yes show them in. Welcome, thank you for the warm hello. Yes this was the House of the Glass Vases. No, he has moved to different climes, that previous owner. I intend to keep the lovely vases as show pieces, yes. And if someone wants to buy, I can negotiate, but no I'm not much of a shop-keep. I am still deciding where in the villa to properly showcase the vases. Eventually I will add to my collection with some statuary and mosaics. Oh, there is an artist I must see about that? What her name is Xtreemli? I hope that doe not explain her temperament. *Smiles weakly* No, This will be more of my new home away from Rome, comfortable for friends I hope. Please sit. I'll call for some wine."

"Yes, no-- it is not an imposition. I'll call for some repast too. Maybe you'd like some bread and figs? I am free to admit it , I was tired of the gossip and politics in Collis Caelius since my husband died. His clients were rather demanding, and I was able to farm them off to other patrons and leave a trustworthy steward in place there. I needed to retire to more genteel surrounds. This opportunity was to good to pass up. One of the few advantages to being bereft paterfamilias et maritus. He would never let me buy a home here. Didn't approve of the "artsy-types" as he called the artists here."

"I needed a place to restore and to talk. In Rome, I felt stifled to have debate and discussion in my own home, as my husband was always complaining clients and other patrons would get the wrong idea and not approve. I hope to enjoy myself here. I wish to meet some people and have a few afternoons of talk and discussion."

"Oh, you must go now? Well thank you again for stopping in. Yes, I'll take your advice and when my home is a little more appropriate you must come over for some wine and a little dinner party. Alcaeus, please see our new neighbor out to the vestibule. Gratias ago vos quod vale."

• Book image courtesy of Pallas' Bibleion
• Main image courtesy of: Kyle Williams