Basil answered in the only way consistent with prudence:  he not only denied all knowledge of where Veranilda was to be found, but spoke as though her fate had little or no interest for him, whereas he professed himself greatly troubled by the disappearance of his cousin Aurelia.  It seemed that Petronilla did not purpose delivering Veranilda to the Greeks.  Perhaps she did not yet understand the import of their inquiry.  That it was she who held Veranilda prisoner he had less doubt than ever, and boldly he declared his conviction.  But even, whilst speaking, he thought with dread of the possibility of Veranilda’s being delivered to Bessas; for who could assure him that this sinister-looking Thracian would respect the mandate received from Byzantium?  On the other hand, who could say to what sufferings and perils his beloved was exposed whilst Petronilla’s captive?  He preferred the risks to follow upon her surrender.  Did he but know where she was there would at least be a hope of rescuing her.

‘By Christ!’ exclaimed Bessas, when he had listened intently to all Basil’s replies, ’this is a strange business.  I begin to think, excellent lord Basil, that you are as much deceived in your suspicions of the lady Petronilla as she is in her suspicions of you.  These two wenches—­ladies, I would say—­may have reasons of their own for hiding; or somebody of whom you know nothing may have carried them off.  How is this Aurelia to look upon?  Young and comely, I warrant.’

Basil briefly described his cousin; whereupon the listener gave a shrug.

’We will talk of it again, to-morrow or the day after.  Hold yourself in readiness, lord Basil—­you hear?—­to come when bidden.  And, hark you, bring the senator’s will, that I may look it over myself.  Trust me, I will see that this lady Aurelia suffers no wrong; if necessary, I will myself hold her property in trust.  They tell me she is a heretic—­that must be inquired into.  But take no thought for the matter, my good Basil; trust me, you shall be relieved from all responsibilities.  Go in peace!’

Bessas rose, impatient to have done with business.  In the little hippodrome, hard by, an entertainment had been prepared for this afternoon:  female equestrians were to perform perilous feats; there was to be a fight between a man and a boar; with other trifles, such as served to pass the time till dinner.  In the entrance hall waited messengers from Ravenna, who for hours had urgently requested audience; but, partly because he knew that their despatches would be disagreeable, in part because he liked playing at royalty, the commander put them off till to-morrow.  Even so did he postpone an inspection of a certain part of the city wall, repeatedly suggested to him by one of his subordinates.  Leisure and accumulation of wealth were obscuring the man’s soldierly qualities.  He gave little heed to the progress of the war, and scoffed at the fear that Totila might ere long march against Rome.