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Updated: May 24, 2025
'How long is it, he asked, with his eyes upon Gaudiosus, 'since Marcian came from Rome? 'This is the fourth day. So I have been told. I myself saw him for the first time not an hour nay, not half an hour ago. 'You knew not that he brought her with him? Basil, without looking in that direction, signalled with his head towards Veranilda. 'I had heard of some companion unnamed.
Gaudiosus obeyed, and looked with wonder at the unconscious face. 'Who is this? he asked. 'No matter who. Does she live? Basil had knelt, and taken one of the little hands in both his own, staining it with the blood of Marcian. 'I can feel no throb of life, he said, speaking coldly, mechanically. The priest bent, and put his cheek to her lips. 'She lives. This is but a swoon.
'Use any power you have, continued Basil, 'to prevent more bloodshed. Outside the gates are men of mine. Bid the porter admit them to the outer court. Then call thither two servants, and let them bear away that whither you will. After, you shall hear more. Like an obedient slave, Gaudiosus sped on his errand.
'I will, I will, replied Gaudiosus nervously. 'You would not deceive me, I well know, dear son. 'God forbid! Marcian summoned the waiting servant, and ordered that the traveller should be straightway admitted. A few minutes passed in absolute silence, then, as the two stood gazing towards the entrance, they saw the gleam of a casque and of a breastplate, and before them stood Basil.
'Liar! traitor! devil! At each word, Basil's dagger drank blood up to the hilt. With his furious voice blended a yell of terror, of agony, a faint cry of horror from Gaudiosus, and a woman's scream. Then came silence. The priest dropped to his knees by Marcian's prostrate form. Basil, the stained weapon in his crimson hand, stared at Veranilda, who also had fallen. 'Man!
Somewhat recovered from the emotions which had enfeebled him, Gaudiosus held up his head, and made solemn answer. 'Not yours was it to take vengeance. The God to whom you appeal has said: "Thou shalt do no murder." 'Consider his crime, returned the other. 'In the moment when he swore falsely I lifted up my eyes, and behold, she herself stood before me.
'Not so, replied Gaudiosus. 'Of you she said no evil. 'Yet I scarce think' he smiled coldly 'that she made profession of love for me? 'My son, her speech was maidenly. She spoke of herself as erstwhile your betrothed; no more than that. As he uttered these words, the priest rose.
What hast thou done? gasped Gaudiosus. The trembling, senile tones wakened Basil as if from a trance. He thrust his dagger into its sheath, stepped to the back of the room, and bent over the white loveliness that lay still. 'Is it death? he murmured. 'Death! death! answered the priest, who had just heard Marcian's last sob. 'I speak not of that perjured wretch, said Basil. 'Come hither.
From the same newsbearer, who told him of Marcian's arrival at the villa, Gaudiosus had heard of a mysterious lady; but it was far from his thought to meddle with the morals of one whose noble birth and hereditary position of patron inspired him with respect; he came only to gossip about the affairs of the time. They sat down together, Marcian glad of the distraction.
With a gesture of entreaty she flung out her hands, and, in doing so, saw that one of them was red. Her woebegone look changed to terror. 'What is this? His blood is upon me on my hand, my garment. When did I touch him? Holy father, whither has he gone? Does he live? Oh, tell me if he lives! 'Come hence with me, said Gaudiosus. 'Come where I may hear you utter the truth before God.
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