Auster was blowing; great lurid clouds rolled above the dark green
waters, and at evening rain began to fall. Through the next day, and
the day after that, the sky still lowered; there was thunder of
waves upon the shore; at times a mist swept down from the mountains,
which enveloped all in gloom. To Basil and Veranilda it mattered
nothing. Where they sat together there was sunshine, and before them
gleamed an eternity of cloudless azure.
CHAPTER VIII
THE SNARE
Meanwhile all was made ready for the sailing of the ship. Coffined
in lead, the body of Maximus awaited only a return of fine weather
for its conveyance to the vessel. When at length calm fell upon the
sea, and after a still night of gentle rain the day broke radiantly,
all Surrentum was in movement between church and harbour. Mass
having been said, the bishop himself led the procession down the
hollow way and through the chasm in the cliffs seaward, whilst
psalms were chanted and incense burnt. Carried in her litter,
Petronilla followed the bier; beside her walked Basil and Decius.
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