And upon me, O Basil, lies the charge of seeking her in her
dwelling, and of conveying her safely to Rome, where she will be
guarded until--'
'Will be guarded!' echoed Basil fiercely. 'Nay, by the holy Peter
and Paul, that will she not! You are my friend, Marcian, and I hold
you dear, but if you attempt to obey this order--'
Hand on dagger, and eyes glaring, the young noble had sprung to his
feet. Marcian did not stir; his head was slightly bent, and a sad
smile hovered about his lips.
'O descendant of all the Anicii,' he replied, 'O son of many
consuls, remember the ancestral dignity. Time enough to threaten
when you detect me in an unfriendly act. Did I play the traitor to
you at Cumae? With the Hun this command of Justinian served you in
good stead; Veranilda would not otherwise have escaped so easily.
Chorsoman, fat-witted as he is, willingly believed that Veranilda
and Aurelia, and you yourself, were all in my net--which means the
net of Bessas, whom he fears. Do you also believe it, my good
Basil?'
For answer Basil embraced his friend, and kissed him on either
cheek.
Pages:
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133