So I spoke with the woman, who, though in poverty, is of noble blood, and when I had offered to make her welcome, she gladly came with me, and straightway we returned to Rome.

And I brought with me oil from the lamp of the saint, wherewith, at the hours of prayer, I cross my forehead, that no evil may befall me.

So, you have heard.

Believe or not, as you list, O Basil.' Whether true or not, Basil had no choice but to accept the story.

He looked helplessly about him.