After many inquiries as to
her brother's health, the lady allowed her eyes to wander for a
moment, then spoke with the smile of one who imparts rare tidings.
'Late last night--too late to trouble you with the news--there
came a post from the reverend deacon Leander. He disembarked
yesterday at Salernum, and, after brief repose, hopes to visit us.
Your Amiability will, I am sure, welcome his coming.'
'Assuredly,' answered Maximus, bending his head, whilst his eyes
watched the distant sail. 'Whence comes he?'
'From Sicily. We shall learn, I dare say, the business which took
him there,' added Petronilla, with a self-satisfied softening of her
lips. 'The deacon is wont to talk freely with me of whatever
concerns the interests of our holy Church, even as I think you
remember, has now and then deigned--though I know not how I have
deserved such honour--to ask, I dare not say my counsel, but my
humble thoughts on this or that. I think we may expect him before
morning. The day will not be too warm for travel.'
Maximus wore an anxious look, and spoke after hesitation.
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