Assure me that I have done well and wisely.'
'I hope you have,' answered Veranilda, regarding him for an instant.
'But I know nothing; I must bear what befalls. Let me go to my
chamber, lord Marcian, and sit alone and think.'
He led her back into the villa, and they parted without another
word.
CHAPTER XXI
THE BETRAYER BETRAYED
Sagaris, making his best speed, soon arrived at Aquinum. He and his
horse were bathed in sweat; the shelter of an inn, where he had
dinner, tempted him to linger more than he need have done, and the
fierce sun was already declining when he rode forth along the Latin
Way. As yet he had seen no Goths. Every one talked of Totila, but he
had a difficulty in ascertaining where at this moment the king was
to be found; some declared he was as near as Venafrum, others that
he lay much further down the valley of the Vulturnus. Arrived at
Venafrum, the messenger learnt that he could not have less than
another whole day's journey before him, so here be harboured for the
night.
His wily and unscrupulous mind had all day long been busy with
speculations as to the errand on which he was sent.
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