My habitation in Rome is closed to me for ever!' She had scarcely spoken these few words, before an ominous change appeared in Goisvintha's countenance.

Its former expression of ardent curiosity changed to a look of malignant triumph.

Her eyes fixed themselves on the girl's upturned face, in glaring, steady, spell-bound contemplation.

She gloated over the helpless creature before her, as the wild beast gloats over the prey that it has secured.

Her form dilated, a scornful smile appeared on her lips, a hot flush rose on her cheeks, and ever and anon she whispered softly to herself, 'I knew she was Roman! Aha! I knew she was Roman!' During this space of time Hermanric was silent.