They whom Basil sought were not here; all search would be useless; in proof of this Leo offered the evidence of his wife, who could reveal something of moment which she had learnt only a few hours ago.

The woman was called, and Basil spoke apart with her; he learnt that Petronilla, as soon as her pains began, sent a messenger to the deacon Leander, entreating him to come; but Leander had only yesterday set out on a journey, and would not be back for a week or more.

Hearing this, the stricken lady fell into an anguish of mind worse even than that of the body; she uttered words signifying repentance for some ill-doing, and, after a while, said to those who were beside her--a physician and the speaker--that, if she died, they were to make known to Bessas that the deacon Leander, he and he alone, could tell all.

Having said this, Petronilla became for a time calmer; but her sufferings increased, and suddenly she bade summon the presbyter of St.Cecilia's church.

With him she spoke alone, and for a long time.