Till that day, fare you well, and beware of other things than the silver-hilted dagger--which she would draw upon me did she dare.

But she knows that I too have my little bosom friend--' she touched her waist--'though it does not glitter before every eye.' Therewith Muscula turned and tripped off, looking back to laugh aloud before she disappeared in the corridor.

Galla was already gone, half persuaded, half threatened away by Vivian, who now stood with knitted brows glaring at Basil.
'I must get rid of this boy,' said Heliodora to her companion.

'In a moment we shall be alone.' Basil was held from taking curt leave only by Vivian's insolent eyes; when Heliodora moved, he stepped slowly after her.
'Your company is precious, dear Vivian,' he heard her say, 'but you must not spoil me with too much of it.

Why did you not go away with Galla, whose wit so charms you, and whose husband is so complaisant?
There, kiss my little finger, and say good-bye.' 'That shall be when it pleases me,' was Vivian's reply.