It is sometimes thus with
me. Something takes hold upon me, and I speak at random. Come, come,
dear friend of my heart, we will find your Veranilda; trust me, we
will.'
Three days went by, then Basil was summoned again to the Palatine,
where he had an interview with Bessas alone. This time the commander
hardly spoke of Veranilda; his talk was of the possessions left by
Maximus, whose testament, when he had read it, he said that he would
take care of until the lost daughter was discovered; he inquired
closely, too, as to Basil's own wealth, and let fall a remark that
the Roman nobles would soon be called upon to support the army
fighting for their liberties against the barbarians. When next
called, let Basil have ready and bring with him an exact statement
of the money in his hands, and of the income he expected to derive
from his property during the present year. Thereupon he was
dismissed with a nod and a smile, which made him quiver in rage for
an hour after. This happened in early morning. The day was overcast,
and a cold wind blew from the mountains; Basil had never known such
misery as fell upon him when he re-entered his gloomy, silent house.
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