about him, come forth and descend the steps.  These dignitaries, who wore with but ill grace the ancient toga, were evidently little pleased by what they had heard; they talked under their breath together, many of them, no doubt, recalling sadly the honour they were wont to receive from King Theodoric.  As their president drove away, Basil, gazing idly after the carpentum, felt himself touched on the arm; he looked round and saw Decius, whose panting breath declared his haste, whilst his countenance was eloquent of ill.

‘I come from the Anicianum,’ Decius whispered, ’and bring terrible news.  Petronilla lies dying of the pest.’

Dazed as if under a violent blow, Basil stretched out his hand.  It touched the wall of the little temple of Janus, in the shadow of which they were standing.

‘The pest?’ he echoed faintly.

’She was seized in the night.  Some one in the house—­some woman, they tell me, whom she brought with her a few days ago, I know not whence—­is just dead.  I have sped hither in search of any one with whom I could speak of it; God be thanked that I have met you!  I went to fetch away books, as you know.’

‘I must go there,’ said Basil, gazing about him to find his slaves.  ‘I must go straightway.’

‘Why?  The danger is great.’

‘It may be’—­this was spoken into Decius’ ear—­’that Veranilda is imprisoned there.  I have proof now, awful proof, that Petronilla lied to me.  I must enter, and seek.’

Hard by were litters for public hire.  Bidding his slaves follow, Basil had himself carried, fast as bearers could run, towards the Anicianum.  Not even fear of the pestilence could withhold him.  His curse upon Petronilla had been heard; the Almighty God had smitten her; would not the same Power protect him?  He prayed mentally, beseeching the intercession of the Virgin, of the saints.  He made a vow that, did he recover Veranilda, he would not rest until he had won her conversion to the Catholic faith.

Without the Anicianum, nothing indicated disturbance, but as soon as he had knocked at the door it was thrown wide open, and he saw, gathered in the vestibule, a crowd of dismayed servants.  Two or three of them, whom he knew well, hurried forward, eager to speak.  He learnt that physicians were with the sick lady, and that the presbyter of St. Cecilia, for whom she had sent in the early morning, remained by her side.  No member of the family (save Decius) had yet come, though messages had been despatched to several.  Unopposed, Basil entered the atrium, and there spoke with Petronilla’s confidential freedman.

’Leo, your mistress is dying.  Speak the truth to me, and you shall be rewarded; refuse to answer, or lie to me, and I swear by the Cross that you shall suffer.  Who was the woman that died here yesterday?’

The freedman answered without hesitation, telling the same story Basil had already heard from Petronilla.