'Do,' was his counsel, 'that which thou hast in mind.' Hearing all this, Marcian's heart leaped with joy.

He urged her to pursue their end with all the speed that prudence permitted.

For his own part, he would make known to Totila as soon as might be the hope of his friends in Rome.
Again some days passed, and Marcian received one of those messages which at times reached him from the Gothic king.

Totila's bidding was contained in a few words: Let Marcian seek speech with the deacon Leander.

Surprised, but having full confidence in the messenger, Marcian presently wrote to the deacon in brief terms, saying that he wished to converse with him regarding a certain heretic of whom he had hopes.