That affair of the Gothic wench.' Bessas
checked himself, glanced at the envoy, and corrected his phrase.
'The Gothic lady, I would say, who has somehow been spirited out of
sight. What can you tell us of her, lord Basil? It has been
whispered to me that if you cannot lead us to this beauty's
hiding-place, nobody can.'
Basil answered in the only way consistent with prudence: he not only
denied all knowledge of where Veranilda was to be found, but spoke
as though her fate had little or no interest for him, whereas he
professed himself greatly troubled by the disappearance of his
cousin Aurelia. It seemed that Petronilla did not purpose delivering
Veranilda to the Greeks. Perhaps she did not yet understand the
import of their inquiry. That it was she who held Veranilda prisoner
he had less doubt than ever, and boldly he declared his conviction.
But even, whilst speaking, he thought with dread of the possibility
of Veranilda's being delivered to Bessas; for who could assure him
that this sinister-looking Thracian would respect the mandate
received from Byzantium? On the other hand, who could say to what
sufferings and perils his beloved was exposed whilst Petronilla's
captive? He preferred the risks to follow upon her surrender.
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