As soon as he had passed the cypresses, he saw, within the shadow of the portico, the figure his eyes had sought; then he stood still, and spoke with manly submissiveness.
'It is much that you suffer me to come into your presence, for of all men, O Veranilda, I am least worthy to do so.' 'How shall I answer you ?' she replied, with a sad, simple dignity.

'I know not of what unworthiness you accuse yourself.

That you are most unhappy, I know too well.' She dared not raise her eyes to him; but in the moment of his appearance before her, it had gladdened her to see him attired as when she first knew him.

Had he worn the soldierly garb in which he presented himself at Marcian's villa, the revival of a dread memory would have pierced her heart.

Even as in outward man he was the Basil she had loved, so did his voice recall that brighter day.
'Unhappy most of all,' he continued, 'in what I least dare speak of.