I hope, I hope with all my heart, that he was innocent, and daily I pray for his eternal welfare.' 'That is well done, O Basil,' said the listener, for the first time uttering his name.

'My prayers, too, he shall have.

That he was so willing to credit ill of you, I marvel; and therein he proved himself no staunch friend.

But of all else, he was guiltless.' 'So shall he ever live in my memory,' said Basil.

'Of him I always found it easier to believe good than evil, for many were the proofs he had given me of his affection.