Basil was standing between the two women, his eyes on the ground.  Had he watched Heliodora at this moment, he would have understood the sudden start with which Muscula sprang nearer to him as if for protection.

‘I alone,’ she continued, in a voice not so subdued but that Heliodora could hear every word.  ’I alone can discover for you what you wish to know.  Give yourself no more trouble in suing to a woman of whom you are weary—­a woman evil and dangerous as a serpent.  When you choose to seek me, dear lord, I will befriend you.  Till that day, fare you well, and beware of other things than the silver-hilted dagger—­which she would draw upon me did she dare.  But she knows that I too have my little bosom friend—­’ she touched her waist—­’though it does not glitter before every eye.’

Therewith Muscula turned and tripped off, looking back to laugh aloud before she disappeared in the corridor.  Galla was already gone, half persuaded, half threatened away by Vivian, who now stood with knitted brows glaring at Basil.

‘I must get rid of this boy,’ said Heliodora to her companion.  ’In a moment we shall be alone.’

Basil was held from taking curt leave only by Vivian’s insolent eyes; when Heliodora moved, he stepped slowly after her.

‘Your company is precious, dear Vivian,’ he heard her say, ’but you must not spoil me with too much of it.  Why did you not go away with Galla, whose wit so charms you, and whose husband is so complaisant?  There, kiss my little finger, and say good-bye.’

‘That shall be when it pleases me,’ was Vivian’s reply.  ’To-day I have a mind to sup with you, Heliodora.  Let that intruder know it; or I will do so myself.’

Heliodora had the air of humouring a jest.  Putting forth a hand, she caught the stripling’s ear and pinched it shrewdly.

‘Little lord,’ she said, ‘you take too large a liberty.’

Whereto Vivian replied with a pleasantry so broad and so significant that Heliodora’s cheek fired; for she saw that Basil stood within hearing.

‘Nay, I must be brief with you, young monkey!’ she exclaimed.  ’Away!  When I am at leisure for your tricks I will send for you.  Be off!’

‘And leave you with that . . .?’ cried the other, using a villainous word.

Hereupon Basil addressed him.

’Whether you stay or go, foul mouth, is naught to me.  I am myself in haste to be gone, but I will not leave you without a lesson by which, perchance, you may profit.’

As he uttered the last word, he dealt Vivian such a buffet on the side of the head with his open hand that the youngster staggered.  The result of this, Basil had well foreseen; he stood watchful, and in an instant, as a dagger gleamed before his eyes, grasped the descending arm that wielded it.  Vivian struggled furiously, but was overcome by the other’s strength.  Flung violently to the ground, his head struck against the edge of a marble seat, and he lay senseless.