Blockhead! If in haste, the lord Marcian did not speak of me, he took it for granted that, should you meet me--' Something so like a malicious smile flitted over the slave's countenance that in extremity of wrath he became mute.
'Your Nobility is deceived,' said Sagaris, in the same moment.

'My lord expressly forbade me to tell you the truth, should I see you on my journey.' Basil stared at him.
'I swear by the holy Cross,' exclaimed the other, 'that this is true.
And if I did not dread your anger, I could tell you the reason.

I dare not.

By all the saints I dare not!' A strange quiet fell upon Basil.

It seemed as if he would ask no more questions; he half turned away, and stood musing.