Beyond doubt he had the gift of prophecy.

From him she would not only receive the consolations of religion, but might learn what awaited her.

Very slowly passed the hours until the reappearance of the black monk.

He came when day was declining, and joyfully she learnt that Sisinnius permitted her to visit him; it must be on the morrow at the second hour, the place a spot in the ilex wood, not far away, whither the monk would guide her.
But she must come alone; were she accompanied, even at a distance, by any attendant, Sisinnius would refuse to see her.

To all the conditions Aurelia readily consented, and bade the monk meet her at the appointed hour by the breach in her garden wall.
On the morrow there was no glory of sunrise; clouds hung heavy, and a sobbing wind shook the dry leaves of the vine.