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 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.