'Late last night--too late to trouble you with the news--there
came a post from the reverend deacon Leander. He disembarked
yesterday at Salernum, and, after brief repose, hopes to visit us.
Your Amiability will, I am sure, welcome his coming.'

'Assuredly,' answered Maximus, bending his head, whilst his eyes
watched the distant sail. 'Whence comes he?'

'From Sicily. We shall learn, I dare say, the business which took
him there,' added Petronilla, with a self-satisfied softening of her
lips. 'The deacon is wont to talk freely with me of whatever
concerns the interests of our holy Church, even as I think you
remember, has now and then deigned--though I know not how I have
deserved such honour--to ask, I dare not say my counsel, but my
humble thoughts on this or that. I think we may expect him before
morning. The day will not be too warm for travel.'

Maximus wore an anxious look, and spoke after hesitation.

'Will his reverend leisure permit him to pass more than one day with
us?'

'Earnestly I hope so. You, beyond doubt, dear lord, my brother, will
desire long privacy with the holy man. His coming at this time is
plainly of Heaven's direction.'

'Lady sister,' answered Maximus, with the faintest smile on his sad
features, 'I would not willingly rob you of a moment's conference
with the good deacon. My own business with him is soon despatched. I