Having received them with colder courtesy than was natural to him, Basil produced the testament of Maximus, and submitted it to his kinsmen's inspection.

The tablets passed from hand to hand; the signatures and seals of the seven witnesses were examined, the contents read and discussed.

Meanwhile guests continued to arrive, until a considerable gathering, which included several ladies, had assembled in the great hall.

Here was represented all that deemed itself best and most illustrious in the society of Rome.

More came than were expressly invited; for, beyond the legitimate interest of the occasion, curiosity had been aroused by the gossip of Petronilla, and some whose connection with the Anician house was of the very slightest, hastened to present themselves at Basil's door.