'The wind is favourable. He may have
to ride back to-morrow, but we can trust him to make all speed.'
'He took the letter, which was superscribed, 'To the most noble lady
Veranilda.'
'Dear cousin, you have spoken of me?' he asked with a wistful look.
'I have said, good cousin,' Aurelia answered pleasantly, 'that you
wished to be spoken of.'
'Only that?'
'What more should I say? Your Amiability is too hasty. Remember that
you have scarce seen her.'
'Scarce seen Veranilda!' exclaimed Basil. 'Why, it seems to me as
though I had known her for years! Have we not talked together?'
'Once. The first time does not count; you exchanged hardly a dozen
words. When,' added Aurelia, smiling, 'were you so dashed in a
maid's presence?'
'Nay, never! I am not accused of too much modesty; but when I
entered and looked on Veranilda--oh, it was the strangest moment
of my life! Noble cousin,' he added pleadingly, 'honoured Aurelia,
do but tell me what is her parentage?'
'How does that concern your Excellence? I have told you all that it
imports you to know--at all events for the present.
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