'The plot is not so far advanced.' He rose hurriedly as if distracted by painful thoughts.
'Noble lady, forgive me for thus urging you with my foolish sorrows.
You see how nearly I am distraught.

If by any means you could aid me, were it only so far as to withhold her I love from the arms of Basil--' So deep was Heliodora sunk in her thoughts that she allowed Marcian to leave her without another word.

He, having carried his machination thus far, could only await the issue, counting securely on Heliodora's passions and her ruthlessness.

He had but taken the first step towards the end for which he schemed; were this successful, with the result that Heliodora used her charms upon the Greek commander, and, as might well happen, obtained power over him, he could then proceed to the next stage of his plot, which had a scope far beyond the loves of Basil and Veranilda.

That the Gothic maiden was really in the hands of Bessas he did not believe; moreover, time had soothed his jealousy of Basil, and, had he been able to further his friend's desire, he would now willingly have done so; but he scrupled not to incur all manner of risks, for himself and others, in pursuit of a great design.