assembly.

It was a morning of wind and cloud; the day broke sadly. When the
first gleam of yellow sunlight flitted over Surrentum towards the
cliffs of Capreae, silence had fallen upon the villa. Wearied by
their night of watching, the inhabitants slept, or at least reposed
in privacy. But this quiet was of short duration. When the customary
bell had given notice of the third hour, Aurelia called together the
servants of the house--only those who belonged to Petronilla
failing to answer her summons--and announced to them her new
authority. At the same time the steward of the estate read out a
list of those slaves who, under the will of Maximus, could claim
their emancipation. The gathering having dispersed, there appeared
an attendant of the deacon Leander; his reverend master would wait
upon the lady Aurelia, as soon as her leisure permitted, for the
purpose of taking leave. Forthwith the deacon was admitted. Alone in
the great hall, Aurelia sat beside a brasier, at which she warmed
her hands; she scarcely deigned to glance at the ecclesiastic.

'You pursue your journey, reverend?' were her first words.

'As far as Neapolis, gracious lady,' came the suave reply. 'There or
in the neighbourhood I shall remain at least ten days. Should you
desire to communicate with me--'

'I think I can save that trouble,' interrupted Aurelia, with
quivering lips. 'All I have to say to your Sanctity, I will say at
once. It is, that you have enlightened me as to the value of solemn
oaths on the lips of the Roman clergy.'