My religion is that of Basil.' 'God be thanked!' broke from Marcian.

And his exclamation meant more than it conveyed to the listener.
'May you tell me whither we are going ?' was the next question from the veiled lips.
The church was now empty, but in the doorway appeared faces curiously peering.

Marcian looking in that direction seemed for a moment to find no reply; his lips were parted, and his breath came rapidly; then he whispered: 'Not far from here there is a villa.

There you shall rest in safety until Basil comes.' 'He is near ?' 'Already I have summoned him.' 'O kind Marcian!' uttered the low, sweet voice.

'Oh, true and brave friend!' In silence they walked together to the priest's house.