sent her a few lines in writing, most ceremoniously worded, in which
he declared that his purposes were those of a disinterested friend,
that no word such as could pain or offend her would pass his lips,
and that he had it in his power to communicate something which would
greatly benefit her. Aurelia reflected disdainfully, but at length
consented to the churchman's approach. Leander's bearing as he
entered her presence was as elaborately courteous as the phrasing of
his letter.

'Noble lady,' he began, standing with bowed head, 'let not your eyes
take note of my garb. See in me only a devoted servant of your
illustrious house. His Magnificence, your father, assured of the
sincerity wherewith I place at his command such powers and
opportunities as I owe to heaven's grace, has deigned to confide in
me regarding the disposition of his worldly affairs whereto he is
prompted by languishing health.'

He paused a moment, but Aurelia had no word of reply to this
exordium. Seeing her keep the same haughty posture in her chair,
with eyes scornfully averted as if she scarce listened, Leander
proceeded to disclose his mind in less ornate terms By subtle grades
of confidential speech, beginning with a declaration of the sympathy
moved in him by the parent's love, the daughter's distress, he came
with lowering voice, with insinuating tone, with blandly tolerant
countenance, to the kernel of his discourse; it contained a
suggestion which might--he only said _might_--aid her amid the
manifold perplexities of her position. By this time Aurelia was more
attentive; the churchman almost affectionate in his suavity, grew
still more direct; and at length, in a voice which only reached the
ear of the listener, he spoke thus: