When I carried you away from Praeneste, pursuers were close behind us, therefore it was that we travelled through the night.

Here you are in safety, for King Totila is close at hand, and will guard you against your enemies.' Veranilda pressed her hands upon her forehead, and stood mute.

As his eyes shifted furtively about her, Marcian caught sight of something black and undulant stirring among stones near her feet; at once he grasped her by the arm, and drew her towards him.
'A viper!' he exclaimed, pointing.
'What of that ?' was her reply, with a careless glance.

'I would not stir a step to escape its fangs.' And, burying her face in her hands, she wept.
These tears, this attitude of bewildered grief, were Marcian's encouragement.

He had dreaded the innocence of her eyes lest it should turn to distrust and rejection.