'
'Then go your way, perjurer!' exclaimed Aurelia, her cheeks aflame
with passion. 'I know henceforth on whom to rely.'
For a moment Leander stood as if reflecting on these last words;
then he bowed, and with placid dignity retired.
Meanwhile Basil and Decius were conversing with Petronilla. Neither
of them had ever stood on terms of more than courteous forbearance
with this authoritative lady; at present they maintained their usual
demeanour, and did not think it needful to apologise for friendly
relations with Aurelia. The only subject on which Petronilla deigned
to hold colloquy with them was that of her brother's burial at Rome.
Should the transport be by land or by sea? This evening the corpse
would be conveyed to the cathedral of Surrentum, where due rites
would be performed early on the morrow; there it would remain in
temporary interment until a coffin of lead could be prepared, and
arrangements completed for the removal. Was the year too advanced,
questioned Petronilla, to allow of the sea voyage? On the other
hand, would the land journey be safe, having regard to the advance
of the Gothic army? Basil pronounced for the sea, and undertook to
seek for a vessel.
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