The gallery outside his chamber was
lighted with a hanging lamp, and at a little distance sounded the
footstep of the watchman, who told him that the morning was fair,
and, at his bidding, opened a door which admitted to the open
terrace overlooking the sea. Having stepped forth, Basil stood for a
moment sniffing the cool air with its scent from the vineyards, and
looking at the yellow rift in the eastern sky; then he followed a
path which skirted the villa's outward wall and led towards the
dwelling of Aurelia. Presently he reached the ruined wall of the
little garden, and here a voice challenged him, that of a servant on
watch until sunrise.
'It is well,' he replied. 'I will relieve you for this last half
hour; go to your rest.'
But the slave hesitated. He had strictest orders, and feared to
disobey them even at this bidding.
'You are an honest fellow,' said Basil, 'and the lady Aurelia shall
know of your steadfastness. But get you gone; there is no danger
whilst I am here.'
Impatiently he watched the man retire, then stood just within the
gap of the wall, and waited with as much fear as hope.
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