'
The lover kissed her hands in ardent gratitude. Whilst they were
still talking confidentially, another visitor was announced, the
deacon Pelagius. Basil begged permission to withdraw before the
cleric entered; he was in no mood for conversation with deacons; and
Silvia pointed smilingly to the door by which he could retreat.
The hour was still early. Basil passed a day of hopefulness, and his
mood became exultant when, about sunset, a letter was brought to him
from Silvia.
'To-morrow morning, at the third hour,' she wrote, 'certain of our
kinsfolk and friends will assemble in this house to hear the
reverend man Arator read his poem on the Acts of the Holy Apostles.
This is an honour done to us, for only two or three persons have as
yet heard portions of the poem, which will soon be read publicly in
the church of the Holy Petrus ad Vincula. Let me welcome your
Amiability among my guests. After the reading, I shall beg you to be
acquainted with one who may perchance serve you.'
Scarcely had Basil read this, when another missive was put into his
hands. It was from Heliodora, and written, as usual, in Greek
characters.
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