Should the transport be by land or by sea? This evening the corpse
would be conveyed to the cathedral of Surrentum, where due rites
would be performed early on the morrow; there it would remain in
temporary interment until a coffin of lead could be prepared, and
arrangements completed for the removal. Was the year too advanced,
questioned Petronilla, to allow of the sea voyage? On the other
hand, would the land journey be safe, having regard to the advance
of the Gothic army? Basil pronounced for the sea, and undertook to
seek for a vessel. Was he willing, asked Petronilla, to accompany
the body to Rome? This question gave Basil pause; he reflected
uneasily; he hesitated. Yet who could discharge this duty, if he did
not? Suddenly ashamed of his hesitation, the true reason of which
could not be avowed, he declared that he would make the voyage.

Hereupon entered the deacon, who, the matter being put before him,
approved these arrangements. He himself would doubtless be in Rome
before the arrival of the remains of Maximus, and all the details of
the burial there might be left to him. So Petronilla thanked and
dismissed the young men, on whose retirement she turned eagerly to
Leander.

'Forgive me!' broke from her lips. 'I know how deeply I have
offended your Sanctity. It was my fear that you would go away
without a word. My haste, my vehemence, merited even that
punishment.'

'Calm yourself, noble lady,' returned the deacon. 'I was indeed
grieved, but I know your provocation. We may speak on this subject
again; but not here. For the present, I take my leave of you, all
being ready for my departure. As you are quitting this house at