'And this I have no doubt you know.' 'Believe me, O Heliodora,' he exclaimed earnestly, 'I did not.

I was perhaps misled by--' Her eyes checked him.
'By whom ?' 'By one who seemed to speak with honesty and assurance.' 'Let us say, then, that you were misled; whether deceived or not, concerns only yourself.

And so, lord Marcian, having done what I can for you, though it be little, I entreat your kind remembrance, and God keep you.' Her manner had changed to formal courtesy, and, with this dismissal, she moved away again.

Marcian stood watching her for a moment, then turned to look at the wide prospect.

A minute or two passed; he heard Heliodora's step approaching.
'What keeps you here ?' she asked coldly.
'Lady, I am thinking.' 'Of what ?' 'Of the day soon to come when Totila will be king in Rome.' Heliodora's countenance relaxed in a smile.
'Yet you had nothing more to say to me,' she murmured in a significant tone.
'There were much to say, Heliodora, to one whom I knew my friend.