'
This having been disdainfully granted, Marcian proceeded with
seeming timid boldness, marking in his listener's eyes the eager
interest with which she followed him. Though every detail of the
story was of his own invention, its plausibility had power upon one
whose passions inclined her to believe it. He told then that
Muscula, bribed by Basil, was secretly endeavouring to procure the
release of Veranilda, which should be made to appear an escape of
Basil's contriving. The lover's visits to Heliodora, he said, and
his supposed ignorance as to where Veranilda was detained, were part
of the plot. Already Muscula had so far wrought upon Bessas that
success seemed within view, and Basil's departure from Rome was only
a pretence; he waited near at hand, ready to carry off his beloved.
'How come you to know all this?' Heliodora asked bluntly at the
first pause.
'That also I will tell you,' answered Marcian. 'It is through some
one whom Muscula holds of more account than Bessas, and with whom
she schemes against him.'
'By the Holy' Mother!' exclaimed Heliodora, 'that is yourself.
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