Put questions, and I will reply if I think fit.' 'Good.' Heliodora smiled, with a movement which made all her trappings of precious metal jingle as though triumphantly.

And she began to question, tracking out all Basil's relations with Veranilda from their first meeting at Cumae to the day of the maiden's disappearance.

His answers, forced from him partly by vague fear, partly by as vague a hope, were the briefest possible, but in every case he told the truth.
'It is well,' said Heliodora, when the interrogation was over.

'Poor, poor Basilidion! How ill he has been used! And not even a kiss from the little Goth.

Or am I mistaken?
Perhaps--' 'Be silent!' exclaimed Basil harshly.
'Oh, I will not pry into chaste secrets.