15/25 Reports from Surrentum gave reason to hope that this measure had succeeded. But to-day, as he entered Basil's house, Gordian's face wore a troubled look, and there was no warmth in his response to the greeting which met him. Forgive me if I first of all ask you a question--of more intimate concern. Is it true that you have taken a wife ?' Basil, in whom fatigue and misery had left little patience, began quivering in every nerve, and made blunt answer: 'It is not true, arid she who told you contrived the lie.' 'You speak of the lady Petronilla,' pursued Gordian gently. 'Can I think that she has wilfully deceived me ?' 'Think it not, my lord Gordian,' returned the other; 'if Petronilla told you I was married, she lied.' 'That is strange indeed. |