where a few shrubs grew; around the walls hung old and faded
tapestry; the floor was of crude mosaic; the furniture resembled
that of the atrium, with the addition of a brasier.

'I have been anxious for your coming,' were Aurelia's first words.
'Do you think they will let us depart without hindrance? Yesterday I
saw the owner of this house to transact my business with him. It is
Venustus, a curial, a man who has always been well disposed to me.
He said that he must perforce make known to the governor my
intention of leaving the city, and hoped no obstacle would be put in
our way. This morning, before sunrise, a messenger from the citadel
came and put questions to the porter.'

Basil knitted his brows.

'Venustus? It is with Venustus that Marcian lodges. Yes, Marcian is
here; I know not on what business. It would have been wiser,' he
added, 'to have said nothing, to have gone away as before. When
shall you be ready?'

'I am ready now. Why delay? What matter though we reach Surrentum by
night? The moon rises early.'

'What reply was given to the messenger from the citadel?'

'He learned, perforce, that we were preparing for a journey.'

A moment's reflection and Basil decided to risk immediate departure;
delay and uncertainty were at all times hateful to him, and at the
present juncture intolerable. At once he quitted the house (not