'But would it not be with risk to your health?'
'I would beg permission not to weigh anchor in a tempest, that's
all. The sea in its gentler moods I have never feared, and
_alcyoneum medicamen_, you know, in other words the sea-foam, has
always been recommended for freckles.'
He touched his face, which was in deed much freckle-spotted, and
Basil, whose spirits rose each moment, gave a good-natured laugh.
'One thing only,' added Decius seriously. 'Inasmuch as this charge
is a grave one, I would not undertake it without the consent of the
ladies Aurelia and Petronilla. Perchance, in respect for the
honoured Maximus, they would feel reluctant to see me take your
place.'
'O modest Decius!' exclaimed the other. 'Which, pray, carries the
more dignity, your name or mine?--not to speak of your learning
and my ignorance. As to Aurelia, I can ease your mind at once. She
would not dream of objecting.'
'Then let us, to-morrow, beg audience of the pious lady at
Surrentum, and request her permission.'
The proposal made Basil uncomfortable; but a visit of respect to
Petronilla was certainly due, and perhaps it would pass without
troublesome incident.
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