They talked over the disquieting vision, whilst the little
lamp-flame, wavering in breaths of air, cast strange shadows about
the room. On the walls were faded frescoes, one of which represented
the poetess Proba on her knees before St. Agnes. Impelled by her
fears, Aurelia of a sudden knelt before this picture, and prayed
silently to the virgin martyr. Then Veranilda rose from the couch,
and knelt beside her. Having solaced their souls, they kissed each
other tenderly.
'You are not afraid,' whispered Veranilda, 'that Basil may be in the
garden when we go forth?'
'Basil? Ah, little rogue, have you betrayed yourself?'
'Of a truth, dearest lady, he has been there more than once, but
not, oh not so early!'
'Nay, I hope not,' said Aurelia. 'It were scarce maidenly--'
'Never, never before the east had broken for the dayspring! Never, I
swear to you, O my heart's friend!'
'Then there is small fear of his interrupting us this morning; all
the more that he must have sat late with his friends, talking of
many things. I am glad of the coming of this brave Venantius; it
puts an end to every peril.
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