'
'I must go there,' said Basil, gazing about him to find his slaves.
'I must go straightway.'
'Why? The danger is great.'
'It may be'--this was spoken into Decius' ear--'that Veranilda
is imprisoned there. I have proof now, awful proof, that Petronilla
lied to me. I must enter, and seek.'
Hard by were litters for public hire. Bidding his slaves follow,
Basil had himself carried, fast as bearers could run, towards the
Anicianum. Not even fear of the pestilence could withhold him. His
curse upon Petronilla had been heard; the Almighty God had smitten
her; would not the same Power protect him? He prayed mentally,
beseeching the intercession of the Virgin, of the saints. He made a
vow that, did he recover Veranilda, he would not rest until he had
won her conversion to the Catholic faith.
Without the Anicianum, nothing indicated disturbance, but as soon as
he had knocked at the door it was thrown wide open, and he saw,
gathered in the vestibule, a crowd of dismayed servants. Two or
three of them, whom he knew well, hurried forward, eager to speak.
He learnt that physicians were with the sick lady, and that the
presbyter of St.
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