'
'Come to me, then, at sunset. The travel is planned in every detail,
and the letters ready. What follower goes with you?'
'The same as always--Sagaris.'
'Confide nothing to him until you are far from Rome. Better if you
need not even then.'
Leander broke off the conference, and walked away at a step quicker
than his wont. But Marcian, after lingering awhile in troubled
thought, returned to the martyr's grave. Long he remained upon his
knees, the conflict within him so violent that he could scarce find
coherent words of prayer. Meanwhile the August sky had clouded, and
thunder was beginning to roll. As he went forth again, a flash of
lightning dazzled him. He saw that it was on the left hand, and took
courage to follow the purpose that had shaped in his thoughts.
That evening, after an hour's close colloquy with Leander, he betook
himself by circuitous way to the dwelling of Pelagius, and with him
again held long talk. Then went home, through the dark, still
streets, to such slumber as his conscience might permit.
CHAPTER XIX
THE PRISONER OF PRAENESTE
On the morrow of St.
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