Titus walked into the office of Primus, the slave in charge of renting out places for Gnaeus Maius, owner of the insula Arriana Polliana. Since the weather was very warm, he was dressed in his lightest woollen toga, while his etruscan servant Laris waited outside with the chests containing his other clothes and travelling goods.

From his father in Rome, he had a letter which would introduce him to the owner of the insula and vouch for his suitability as a trusted renter. The fact that his father had recently died would make no difference--the family finances were sound, and Titus had inherited enough property to live decently, if not richly.

On arriving in Pompeii, he had heard that there might be space vacant in the insula, and he was here to confirm that before looking elsewhere.

When the manager was called, Titus spoke as he handed him the letter: "I hear there might be an apartment for rent--the East one would suit me well if it is vacant now?"