Thinking so, I defiled my tongue with base suspicion of Veranilda.

Being now again in my right mind, I know that my accusation of _her_ was frenzy, and therefore I choose rather to believe that I wronged Marcian than that he could conceive so base a treachery.' Totila reflected.

All but a smile as of satisfaction lurked within his eyes.
'Know you,' he next inquired, 'by what means Marcian obtained charge of the lady Veranilda ?' 'Of that I am as ignorant as of how she was first carried into captivity.' 'Yet,' said the king sharply, 'you conversed with her after Marcian's death.' 'Gracious lord,' answered Basil in low tones, 'it were miscalled conversing.

With blood upon my hands, I said I scarce knew what, and would not give ear to the words which should have filled me with remorse.' There was again a brief silence.

Totila let his eyes stray for a moment, then spoke again meditatively.
'You sought vainly for this maiden, whilst she was kept in ward.