If ever I chance to find him near the portico of Heliodora, I will drive my dagger into his heart," and on he struts, leaving me so amazed that I forgot even to fetch the cub a box o' the ear.

But I had not long to wait for an explanation of his insolence.

Whom should I next meet but the solemn-visaged Opilio.

"So your friend Basil," he began, "has forgotten his Gothic love ?" We talked, and I learnt from him that you were the hot rival of Vivian for Heliodora's favour.

Nay, I do but repeat what you ought to hear.