Softly she corrected his error; her interest in the maiden was a friendly one.
Only let him discover for her where Veranilda was concealed.

Sagaris was led to avow that in this very search he and his master had been vainly occupied for many a day; it had carried them, he declared in a whisper, even to the camp of King Totila.

With this the questioner appeared to be satisfied, and the Syrian was soon dismissed, promises in a caressing voice his sole reward.
When Marcian next held speech with Heliodora--it was after some days--she bore herself more openly.

In the course of their talk, he learnt that she had consulted an astrologer, and with results wholly favourable to his design.

Not only had this man foretold to her that Totila was destined to reign gloriously over the Italians for many years, but he saw in Heliodora's own fate a mysterious link with that of the triumphant king; her, under the Gothic conquest, great things awaited.