'You have lost her ?' 'Lost her?
yes; but not as you mean it.

Is Petronilla in Rome ?' 'She arrived the day before yesterday, two hours after sunset.' 'And you have seen her, talked with her ?' 'I was at the house yonder when she came.' 'And she behaved ill to you ?' asked Basil.
'Far from that, Petronilla overwhelmed me with affection and courtesy.
I knew not,' proceeded Decius smiling, 'how I had all at once merited such attention.

I came away merely because this situation better suits my health.

Down by the river I have never been at ease.

But let me hear what has befallen you.' Basil told his story, beginning with the explanation of Veranilda's importance in the eyes of the Greek commander.