A story had got abroad
that Veranilda was the lost princess of the Amal line surviving in
Italy, and it was commonly thought among the Goths that their king
intended to espouse her--the marriage to be celebrated in Rome,
when Rome once more acknowledged the Gothic ruler. This did Felix
report unwillingly, and only because his master insisted upon
knowing all.
'Very like it is true,' commented Basil, forcing a smile. 'You know,
my good Felix, that the Emperor would fain have had her adorn his
court; and I would rather see her Queen of Italy. But tell me now,
last of all, what talk there has been of me. Or has my name been
happily forgotten?'
'My dear lord's followers,' replied Felix, 'have not ceased to speak
of him among themselves, and to pray for his safety.'
'That I gladly believe. But I see there is more to tell. Out with it
all, good fellow. I have suffered worse things than any that can
lie. before me.'
In sad obedience, the servant made known that he and his fellows had
been closely questioned, first by Venantius, later, some two or
three of them, by the king himself, regarding their master's course
of life since he went into Picenum.
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