I am but a follower of the holy Sisinnius--an unworthy follower.' 'May I not speak with him ?' The monk had a troubled look.
'I have told you, lady, that he must not, by reason of his vow, enter a human dwelling.' 'But may I not go to him ?' she urged.

'May I not seek him in his solitude, guided by you ?' To this, said the monk, he could give no reply until he had spoken with Sisinnius.

He promised to do so, and to return, though he knew not at what hour, nor even whether it would be this day.

And, after demanding many assurances that he would come again as speedily as might be, Aurelia allowed the messenger to depart.
Meanwhile Basil and Marcian have spent an hour in talk, the result of which was a decision that Marcian should again repair to the stronghold of Venantius, and persuade him to come over to Surrentum.

When his friend had ridden forth Basil sought conversation with Aurelia, whom he found in a mood unlike any she had yet shown to him, a mood of dreamy trouble, some suppressed emotion appearing in her look and in her speech.