Did he
but know where she was there would at least be a hope of rescuing
her.
'By Christ!' exclaimed Bessas, when he had listened intently to all
Basil's replies, 'this is a strange business. I begin to think,
excellent lord Basil, that you are as much deceived in your
suspicions of the lady Petronilla as she is in her suspicions of
you. These two wenches--ladies, I would say--may have reasons of
their own for hiding; or somebody of whom you know nothing may have
carried them off. How is this Aurelia to look upon? Young and
comely, I warrant.'
Basil briefly described his cousin; whereupon the listener gave a
shrug.
'We will talk of it again, to-morrow or the day after. Hold yourself
in readiness, lord Basil--you hear?--to come when bidden. And,
hark you, bring the senator's will, that I may look it over myself.
Trust me, I will see that this lady Aurelia suffers no wrong; if
necessary, I will myself hold her property in trust. They tell me
she is a heretic--that must be inquired into. But take no thought
for the matter, my good Basil; trust me, you shall be relieved from
all responsibilities.
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