I was bidden prepare for a journey, and soon
after they led me to the gates. I knew nothing, nor did the woman
with me.'
'Was the lady Aurelia in the same convent?' Marcian next inquired.
'I never saw her after we had landed from the ship which carried us
from Surrentum?'
'You do not know, of course, that Petronilla is dead?'
He told her of that, and of other events such as would interest her,
but without uttering the name of Basil. Above all, he spoke of
Totila, lauding the victorious king who would soon complete his
triumph by the conquest of Rome.
'I had all but forgotten,' were Veranilda's words, when she had
listened anxiously. 'I thought only of Basil.'
He turned abruptly from her, seemed to reflect for a moment, and
said with formal politeness:
'Permit me now to leave you, lady. This house is yours. I would it
offered you worthier accommodation. As soon as I have news, I will
again come before you.'
Veranilda rose whilst he was speaking. Her eyes were fixed upon him,
wistfully, almost pleadingly, and before he had reached the exit she
advanced a step, with lips parted as if to beseech his delay.
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