would fain be assured of burial in the Temple of Probus where sleep
our ancestors.'

'Of that,' replied Petronilla, solemnly and not unkindly, 'doubt not
for a moment. Your body shall lie there, by the blessed Peter's
sanctuary, and your tomb be honoured among those of the greatest of
our blood. But there is another honour that I covet for you, an
honour above all that the world can bestow. In these sad times,
Maximus, the Church has need of strengthening. You have no children--'

A glance from the listener checked her, and, before she could
resume, Maximus interposed in a low voice:

'I have yet a daughter.'

'A daughter?' exclaimed Petronilla, troubled, confused, scarce
subduing indignation.

'It is better I should tell you,' continued her brother, with some
sternness, resulting from the efforts to command himself, 'that
Basil is gone to Cumae to see Aurelia, and, if it may be, to lead
her to me. Perhaps even now'--he pointed to the sea--'they are
on the way hither. Let us not speak of it, Petronilla,' he added in
a firmer tone. 'It is my will; that must suffice. Of you I ask
nothing save silence.'

The lady arose. Her countenance expressed angry and bitter feeling,
but there was no danger of her uttering what she thought. Gravely,
somewhat coldly, she spoke good wishes for her brother's ease during
the day, and so retired with her retinue. Alone, Maximus sighed, and