I was bidden prepare for a journey, and soon after they led me to the gates.

I knew nothing, nor did the woman with me.' 'Was the lady Aurelia in the same convent ?' Marcian next inquired.
'I never saw her after we had landed from the ship which carried us from Surrentum ?' 'You do not know, of course, that Petronilla is dead ?' He told her of that, and of other events such as would interest her, but without uttering the name of Basil.

Above all, he spoke of Totila, lauding the victorious king who would soon complete his triumph by the conquest of Rome.
'I had all but forgotten,' were Veranilda's words, when she had listened anxiously.

'I thought only of Basil.' He turned abruptly from her, seemed to reflect for a moment, and said with formal politeness: 'Permit me now to leave you, lady.

This house is yours.