Bessas takes a peculiar interest in such people.

Be that as it will.

Let us turn for a moment to other things.' They spoke of the duties that had to be discharged by Basil as his uncle's heir.

On the morrow he must assemble such of his kinsfolk as were in Rome, and exhibit to them the testament.

Aurelia's part in it would of course excite discussion, perhaps serious objection; whereas her disappearance would probably be regarded as a matter of small moment, and Petronilla, even if suspected, could count on sympathy.
When he left the library, Basil found all the members of his household, from the old nurse Aguella, whose privilege it was to treat him with motherly affection, to the men who groomed his horse, assembled outside to give him welcome.