Even if she desired to tell you the truth--and be sure she does not--she could only mislead you.' Basil was standing between the two women, his eyes on the ground.

Had he watched Heliodora at this moment, he would have understood the sudden start with which Muscula sprang nearer to him as if for protection.
'I alone,' she continued, in a voice not so subdued but that Heliodora could hear every word.

'I alone can discover for you what you wish to know.

Give yourself no more trouble in suing to a woman of whom you are weary--a woman evil and dangerous as a serpent.

When you choose to seek me, dear lord, I will befriend you.