once, you need no counsel as to immediate difficulties; I will only
say, in all things be prudent, be self-controlled; before long, you
may see reason for the discreet silence which I urge upon you.'

'When do you set forth to Rome?' asked Petronilla. 'If it might be
my privilege to journey in your company--?'

'The day is uncertain,' replied Leander; 'but if it be possible for
us to travel together, trust me to beg for the honour. You shall
hear of my projects in a week's time from Neapolis.'

Petronilla fell to her knees, and again besought his forgiveness
with his benediction. The deacon magnanimously granted both, and
whilst bending over the devout lady, whispered one word:

'Patience!'

An hour after mid-day, Petronilla quitted the villa. Her great
travelling chariot, drawn by four mules, wherein she and her most
precious possessions were conveyed, descended at a stately pace the
winding road to Surrentum. Before it rode Basil; behind came a laden
wagon, two light vehicles carrying female slaves, and mounted
men-servants, armed as though for a long and perilous journey. Since
the encounter before sunrise, there had been no meeting between the
hostile ladies. Aurelia signified her scorn by paying no heed to her
aunt's departure.

Alone in her dominion, the inheritress entered the death-chamber,
and there passed an hour upon her knees. Whilst she was thus
secluded, a pealing storm traversed the sky. When Aurelia came forth