In any case he would have found the reading wearisome; that monotonous, indistinct voice soon irritated him, and at length made him drowsy.

But admiration frequently broke out from the audience, and at the end applause became enthusiasm.

Unspeakably glad that the ceremony was over, Basil mingled with the moving crowd, and drew towards Silvia.

At length their eyes met; the lady thereupon spoke a word to a cleric who was standing by her, and in the next moment summoned Basil with a movement of the head.
There was a brief formality, then Basil found himself led aside by the deacon Pelagius, who spoke to him in a grave, kind voice very pleasant to the ear, with the courtesy of a finished man of the world, and at the same time with a firmness of note, a directness of purpose, which did not fail to impress the listener.
Aged about five-and-thirty, bearing upon his countenance the signature of noble birth, Pelagius was at this moment the most accomplished diplomat that the Church of Rome possessed.

He had spent some years at Byzantium, as papal emissary; had engaged the confidence of Justinian; and, on his return, had brought an Imperial invitation to Vigilius, who was requested to set forth for the East as soon as possible.