You had five hours start of me.

Pray, dear lord, when did you get here ?' Basil could make no reply, and the other, closely observing his strange countenance, went on to explain that, scarcely started from Aesernia on his way to the king, Marcian's messenger had met with Totila himself, who was nearer than had been thought.

After reading the letter, Totila had come on rapidly to Aesernia, and had forthwith despatched Venantius to the villa by Arpinum.
'You guess my mission, lord Basil,' he pursued, with bluff good-humour.
'Dullard that I was, the talk of a fair lady travelling in Marcian's charge never brought to my mind that old story of Surrentum.

Here is our royal Totila all eagerness to see this maiden--if maiden still she be.

What say you on that point, dear lord?
Nay, look not so fiercely at me.