Never Married

I know you never married, I said to Pliny the Elder, but you were fond of your nephew weren't you?

I was, said Pliny. He was my sister Plinia's child. His father died soon after he was born. For a time my sister, my nephew and I lived under the same roof. I adopted him, in the end.

What do you mean, in the end?

I mean in the end. I adopted him posthumously.

What, after he died?

No! After I died. It was written in my will, a testamental adoption.

Oh Pliny, that's so nice. In fact, it's rather moving.

Not at all. It was in order that he might inherit my estate. Had I not, it would have been impossible under Roman law, and there was no one else to inherit it. I wonder what he did with it?

Don't you know?

No, I have not delved into the family history.

Too busy?

Yes, I have been too busy.

You may rectify that when your book arrives.

Oh yes, Pliny's Women. It has not yet arrived. Where can that wretched book be?