‘Of course you say so,’ returned Aurelia.  ’I will believe you if you give me back the paper I signed, and trust to my word for the fulfilment of what I promised.’

Leander smiled, almost as if he had heard some happy intelligence.

‘You ask,’ he said, ‘for a trust you yourself refuse.’

‘Then go your way, perjurer!’ exclaimed Aurelia, her cheeks aflame with passion.  ‘I know henceforth on whom to rely.’

For a moment Leander stood as if reflecting on these last words; then he bowed, and with placid dignity retired.

Meanwhile Basil and Decius were conversing with Petronilla.  Neither of them had ever stood on terms of more than courteous forbearance with this authoritative lady; at present they maintained their usual demeanour, and did not think it needful to apologise for friendly relations with Aurelia.  The only subject on which Petronilla deigned to hold colloquy with them was that of her brother’s burial at Rome.  Should the transport be by land or by sea?  This evening the corpse would be conveyed to the cathedral of Surrentum, where due rites would be performed early on the morrow; there it would remain in temporary interment until a coffin of lead could be prepared, and arrangements completed for the removal.  Was the year too advanced, questioned Petronilla, to allow of the sea voyage?  On the other hand, would the land journey be safe, having regard to the advance of the Gothic army?  Basil pronounced for the sea, and undertook to seek for a vessel.  Was he willing, asked Petronilla, to accompany the body to Rome?  This question gave Basil pause; he reflected uneasily; he hesitated.  Yet who could discharge this duty, if he did not?  Suddenly ashamed of his hesitation, the true reason of which could not be avowed, he declared that he would make the voyage.

Hereupon entered the deacon, who, the matter being put before him, approved these arrangements.  He himself would doubtless be in Rome before the arrival of the remains of Maximus, and all the details of the burial there might be left to him.  So Petronilla thanked and dismissed the young men, on whose retirement she turned eagerly to Leander.

‘Forgive me!’ broke from her lips.  ’I know how deeply I have offended your Sanctity.  It was my fear that you would go away without a word.  My haste, my vehemence, merited even that punishment.’

‘Calm yourself, noble lady,’ returned the deacon.  ’I was indeed grieved, but I know your provocation.  We may speak on this subject again; but not here.  For the present, I take my leave of you, all being ready for my departure.  As you are quitting this house at once, you need no counsel as to immediate difficulties; I will only say, in all things be prudent, be self-controlled; before long, you may see reason for the discreet silence which I urge upon you.’

‘When do you set forth to Rome?’ asked Petronilla.  ’If it might be my privilege to journey in your company—?’