But the more plainly we speak to each
other the better. I come now to ask whether you will release
Veranilda to me, instead of waiting until you are compelled to
release her to the Greeks.'
Before replying, Petronilla clapped her hands, then stood waiting
for a moment, and said at length:
'You can now speak without hearers. I did not think you would be so
imprudent in your words. Go on: say what you will.'
She seated herself, and looked at Basil with a contemptuous smile.
He, surprised by her behaviour, spoke on with angry carelessness.
'I neither cared before, nor do I now, if any of your servants
overhear me. No more credit would be given to anything they told of
me than is given to what you yourself say I might begin by warning
you of the dangers to which you are exposed, but no doubt you have
calculated them, and think the price not too much to pay for your
revenge. Well, with your revenge I have no wish to interfere. Hold
Aurelia prisoner as long as you will, or as long as you can. I speak
only of Veranilda, against whom you can feel no enmity. Will you
release her to me? It will only be anticipating by a few days her
release to Bessas.
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