You have lost your little Goth; of that I need no assurance.

But tell me how it came about.' Basil stood with bent head.

In the portico, at a little distance, there began to sound the notes of a flute played by some itinerant musician.
'You dare refuse me ?' said Heliodora, after waiting a moment.

'You are a bolder man than I thought.' 'Ask what you wish to know,' broke from the other.

'Recount to you I will not.