possibility, and whose mind is bent upon such things. Indeed, she
has already scanted the respect she owes you in uttering these
words. As for herself, remain she here for an hour or for a month,
she is in no danger of insult--unless she deem it an insult to
have her base falsehood flung back at her, and the enmity in her
fierce eyes answered with the scorn it merits.'

Petronilla trembled with wrath.

'Falsehood!' she echoed, on a high, mocking note. 'A charge of
falsehood upon _her_ lips! Your Holiness will ere long, I do not
doubt, be enlightened as to that woman's principles in the matter of
truth and falsehood. Meanwhile, we shall consult our souls' welfare,
as well as our dignity, in holding as little intercourse as may be
with one who has renounced the faith in Christ.'

Aurelia bent her eyes upon the deacon, who met the look with austere
fixedness. There was dead silence for a moment, then she turned to
the young men behind her.

'My noble cousins, I desired your company because I foresaw this
woman's violence, and knew not to what length it might carry her.
She pretends to fear my tongue; for my part, I would not lightly
trust myself within reach of her hands, of which I learnt the weight
when I was a little child. Lord Decius, attend, I beg you, these
reverend men whilst they honour my house and on their way homeward.
My cousin Basil, I must needs ask you to be my guard, until I can
command service here. Follow me, I pray.'

With another piercing glance at Leander she withdrew from the