By the greatest chance you find me here; and
to-morrow I must be gone. But scarce two thousand paces from here is
the dwelling of this reverend man, who will entertain you fittingly,
and give you the care you need; for it seems to me, dear Basil, that
you are more than wearied.'
The listener nodded, and let himself drop upon a seat near to where
Marcian was standing.
'What have you to tell me?' he asked under his breath.
'Nothing good, alas!' was the murmured reply.
'Shall we speak in private?'
'Nay, it is needless. All my secrets lie open to Gaudiosus.'
Again Basil cast a glance at the presbyter, who had seated himself
and appeared to be absorbed in thought.
'Do you mean,' he asked, 'that something new has befallen?'
His eyes were upon Marcian, and Marcian's upon those of Proserpine.
'Yes, something new. The deacon of whom you know has left Rome,
accompanying the Pope on his journey eastward. And with him he has
taken--'
A name was shaped upon the speaker's lips, but whether of purpose,
or because his voice failed him, it found no utterance.
Pages:
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440