Basil concluded with
sarcastic reference to the possibility that he, as heir, might be
openly or secretly suspected of having laid hands upon Aurelia; that
point also he left to be debated by such as thought it worth while.
Only some two or three of those who listened had any personal
interest in the will, and few cared at all for the fate of Aurelia;
but the lady at whom Basil's innuendo pointed enjoyed no great
favour, and her absence from this family gathering made it possible
to discuss with all freedom the likelihood of her culpability. At
Basil himself no suspicion glanced, but the rumour of his marriage
with a Goth had excited much curiosity, hardly appeased by a whisper
that Gordian declared the story false. Having spoken all he thought
fit to say, Basil was going apart with the persons to whom legacies
had been left, he, as heir, being charged with the execution of the
will, when Gordian approached him, and begged for a word in private.
'I would not have you think me unkind, dear Basil,' he said, in a
gentle voice. 'It was neither the place nor the moment to hear
secrets from you, and I am glad now that I refused to listen; but be
assured that I put faith in what you have declared to us.
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