'The Gothic lady, I would say, who has somehow been spirited out of sight.

What can you tell us of her, lord Basil?
It has been whispered to me that if you cannot lead us to this beauty's hiding-place, nobody can.' Basil answered in the only way consistent with prudence: he not only denied all knowledge of where Veranilda was to be found, but spoke as though her fate had little or no interest for him, whereas he professed himself greatly troubled by the disappearance of his cousin Aurelia.

It seemed that Petronilla did not purpose delivering Veranilda to the Greeks.

Perhaps she did not yet understand the import of their inquiry.
That it was she who held Veranilda prisoner he had less doubt than ever, and boldly he declared his conviction.

But even, whilst speaking, he thought with dread of the possibility of Veranilda's being delivered to Bessas; for who could assure him that this sinister-looking Thracian would respect the mandate received from Byzantium?
On the other hand, who could say to what sufferings and perils his beloved was exposed whilst Petronilla's captive?
He preferred the risks to follow upon her surrender.