Was he willing, asked Petronilla, to accompany
the body to Rome? This question gave Basil pause; he reflected
uneasily; he hesitated. Yet who could discharge this duty, if he did
not? Suddenly ashamed of his hesitation, the true reason of which
could not be avowed, he declared that he would make the voyage.
Hereupon entered the deacon, who, the matter being put before him,
approved these arrangements. He himself would doubtless be in Rome
before the arrival of the remains of Maximus, and all the details of
the burial there might be left to him. So Petronilla thanked and
dismissed the young men, on whose retirement she turned eagerly to
Leander.
'Forgive me!' broke from her lips. 'I know how deeply I have
offended your Sanctity. It was my fear that you would go away
without a word. My haste, my vehemence, merited even that
punishment.'
'Calm yourself, noble lady,' returned the deacon. 'I was indeed
grieved, but I know your provocation. We may speak on this subject
again; but not here. For the present, I take my leave of you, all
being ready for my departure.
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