He made a vow that, did he recover Veranilda, he would not rest until he had won her conversion to the Catholic faith.
Without the Anicianum, nothing indicated disturbance, but as soon as he had knocked at the door it was thrown wide open, and he saw, gathered in the vestibule, a crowd of dismayed servants.

Two or three of them, whom he knew well, hurried forward, eager to speak.

He learnt that physicians were with the sick lady, and that the presbyter of St.
Cecilia, for whom she had sent in the early morning, remained by her side.

No member of the family (save Decius) had yet come, though messages had been despatched to several.

Unopposed, Basil entered the atrium, and there spoke with Petronilla's confidential freedman.
'Leo, your mistress is dying.