To-day he prayed with many tears that the Roman martyr would enlighten him, and make him understand his duty to Rome.
As he was leaving the church, a hand touched him; he turned, and beheld the deacon Leander, who led him apart.
'It is well that I have met you,' said the cleric, with less than his usual bland deliberation.

'A messenger is at your house to bid you come to me this evening.

Can you leave Rome to-morrow ?' 'On what mission ?' Leander pursed his lips for a moment, rolled his eyes hither and thither, and said with a cautious smile: 'That for which you have been waiting.' With difficulty Marcian dissembled his agitation.

Was this the saint's reply to his prayer?
Or was it a temptation of the Evil Power, which it behoved him to resist?
'I am ready,' he said, off-hand.
'You will be alone for the first day's journey, and in the evening you will be met by such attendants as safety demands.

Do you willingly undertake the charge?
Or is there some new danger which you had not foreseen ?' 'There is none,' replied Marcian, 'and I undertake the charge right willingly.' 'Come to me, then, at sunset.