'The House of Eupolis has ever been respectable. You must not offend my daughter!' 'Must not--indeed!' crowed Quintus. 'And who are you--to be advising the envoy of the Emperor what he must not do? Be gone, fellow!' He thrust out an arm toward Phoebe and Ino. 'You, too!' he barked. 'Leave us!' Deathly white, Phoebe rose unsteadily and took a few steps, Ino supporting her. Dion held his ground for a moment, panting with impotent anger, but began edging out of range as their enemy fumbled for his dagger. 'What are you doing here, slave?' shouted Quintus, turning savagely to Demetrius. 'My master ordered me to remain, sir,' replied Demetrius; then, to Theodosia, 'You had better go with your father to the house.' Purple with rage, Quintus whipped out his dagger and lunged forward. Demetrius sprang to meet the descending arm, which he caught at the wrist with a tiger-claw grip of his right hand while his left crashed into the Tribune's face. It was a staggering blow that took Quintus completely by surprise.
