' This phrase, on which he had
often brooded, Marcian understood to mean that he should reach old
age; and it had long been his settled intention to found in the
ruinous villa a little monastery, to which, when his work was over,
he could retire to pass the close of life. And now, as he rode down
behind the carriage, he was striving to keep his thought fixed on
this pious purpose. He resolved that he would not long delay. As
soon as Veranilda was safe, he would go on foot, as a pilgrim, to
the monastery at Casinum, which were but two or three days' journey,
and speak of his intention to the aged and most holy Benedict. Thus
fortified, he rode with bright visage down into the valley, and over
the bridge, and so to his own gate.
The steward and the housekeeper, who were man and wife, speedily
stood before him, and he bade them make ready with all expedition
certain chambers long unoccupied, merely saying that a lady would
for some days be his guest. Whilst Sagaris guided the horsemen to
the stables, and received them hospitably in the servants' quarter,
Marcian, using a more formal courtesy than hitherto, conducted his
charge into the great hall, and begged her to be seated for a few
minutes, until her room was prepared.
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