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.
'You have sent for me, my dear lord,' he began with grave and distant courtesy, 'to speak of the matter of your inheritance.

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.