It is sometimes thus with me.

Something takes hold upon me, and I speak at random.

Come, come, dear friend of my heart, we will find your Veranilda; trust me, we will.' Three days went by, then Basil was summoned again to the Palatine, where he had an interview with Bessas alone.

This time the commander hardly spoke of Veranilda; his talk was of the possessions left by Maximus, whose testament, when he had read it, he said that he would take care of until the lost daughter was discovered; he inquired closely, too, as to Basil's own wealth, and let fall a remark that the Roman nobles would soon be called upon to support the army fighting for their liberties against the barbarians.

When next called, let Basil have ready and bring with him an exact statement of the money in his hands, and of the income he expected to derive from his property during the present year.