Explain to me.'
Venantius told what he knew of Petronilla's enmity, and the listener
had no difficulty in coming to the conclusion which to Basil had
been evident from the first. It was possible moreover, that Cumae
might be the place to which the captives had been conveyed, for
Chorsoman had left the fortress yesterday to come hither by way of
Neapolis, his reason for the expedition being news of Veranilda's
approaching marriage, brought to him by a fisherman who said he had
been paid by a person unknown. Did Petronilla, he next inquired,
know that Veranilda was to be sent to the East? To this Marcian
replied with a negative, adding:
'Unless your Illustrious Discretion have seen fit to spread abroad
what I imparted to your private ear.'
'My tongue is not so loose as yours,' was the Hun's rejoinder.
Again he reflected, with the result that he decided to send a
messenger at once to Cumae. Until news could be brought back he
should remain here in the villa. This intention he announced in a
tone abundantly significant, his hearers understanding that
Aurelia's property was now in hands not accustomed to relax their
grasp.
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