'
'It is well, dear Gordian,' replied Basil frankly.
'One word I will add,' continued the other. 'If you are troubled
about things of the world, if you lack counsel such as you think a
friend might give, delay not in coming to me. I should not speak
thus confidently did I speak of myself alone; but there is one ever
at my side, who with her wisdom--sometimes I think it divinely
bestowed--supplies the weakness of my own understanding. Guided by
her, I cannot counsel you amiss.'
They parted with an embrace, and Basil turned to the business of the
moment. This occupied him until nearly mid-day. As he took leave of
the last of his guests, there entered Marcian; his coming surprised
Basil, for they had parted at early morning not to meet again before
the morrow.
'I bring you an invitation,' said Marcian, in a careless tone, which
was not quite natural. 'It is to the Palatine, after dinner.'
'To the Palatine? I am summoned by Bessas?'
'In a friendly way. Have no anxiety. Petronilla has been examined
this morning, and, from what I can gather, she seems to have
betrayed herself.
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