If by killing this woman he could have obtained liberty to search through every chamber of the great house, his dagger would have leapt at her breast; and that Petronilla well knew; whence the defiant look in her eyes as they watched his slightest movement.
'What is your next question ?' she said.

'I am at leisure for a little longer.' 'If Veranilda is in the hands of the Greeks, where is Aurelia ?' 'I should be glad to think,' replied the lady, 'that she has withdrawn from the world to expiate her sins.' 'Would you have me believe that Marcian knows that secret also ?' 'I respect your innocence,' answered Petronilla, with a smile, 'and will say no more.' Again Basil stood for a moment voiceless in wrath.

Then he threw up an arm, and spoke with terrible vehemence.
'Woman, if you have lied to me, wickedly seeking to put enmity between me and my friend, may the pest smite you, and may you perish unforgiven of man and God!' Petronilla blanched not.

For one instant he glared at her, and was gone..