After the reading, I shall beg you to be acquainted with one who may perchance serve you.' Scarcely had Basil read this, when another missive was put into his hands.

It was from Heliodora, and written, as usual, in Greek characters.
'To-morrow, after the ninth hour, you are bidden hither.

Come if you choose.

If you do not, I shall have forgotten something I have learnt.' To this he paid little heed; it might have significance, it might have none.

If the morning sustained his hope, he would be able to resist the temptation of the afternoon.