When Basil, after brief despondency came forth on to the open terrace, he saw her at a distance, standing with Athalfrida and Osuin.

Their looks invited him to approach, and, when he was near, Veranilda stepped towards him.
'It will not be long,' she said calmly, 'before we again meet.

The lord Osuin promises, and he speaks for the king.' Basil bowed in silence.

The great-limbed warrior and his fair wife had their eyes upon him, and were smiling good-naturedly.

Then Osuin spoke in thick-throated Latin.
'Shall we be gone, lord Basil ?' From the end of the terrace, Basil looked back.