Without looking at him, her eyes still on the distance, she said in an unimpassioned voice: 'Did you lie to me, or were you yourself deceived ?' 'Lady, I know not of what you speak.' 'You know well.' Her dark eyes flashed a glance of rebuke, and turned scornfully away again.

'But it matters nothing.

I sent for you to ask what more you have to say.' Marcian affected surprise and embarrassment.
'It was my hope, gracious lady, that some good news awaited me on your lips.

What can I say more than you have already heard from me ?' 'Be it so,' was the careless reply.

'I have nothing to tell you except that Veranilda is not there.' She pointed towards the palace.