Where will you be safe from pursuit?'
Basil reflected, then asked boldly:
'Has not the King Totila welcomed and honourably entertained Romans
who have embraced his cause?'
'Come now,' exclaimed the other, his sad visage lighting up, 'that
is to speak like a man! So, we _do_ understand each other. Be it
known unto you then, O Basil, that at this moment the Gothic king is
aware of your love for Veranilda, and of your purpose to espouse
her. You indeed are a stranger to him, even in name; but not so the
Anician house; and an Anician, be assured, will meet with no cold
reception in the camp of the Goths.'
'You enjoy the confidence of Totila?' asked Basil, wondering, and a
little confused.
'Did I not tell you that I claimed the merit of playing traitor to
both sides?'
Marcian spoke with a note of bitterness, looking his friend fixedly
in the face.
'It is a noble treachery,' said Basil, seizing both his hands. 'I am
with you, heart and soul! Tell me more. Where is the king? Will he
march upon Rome?'
'Neapolis will see him before Rome does. He comes slowly through
Samnium, making sure his conquest on the way.
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