He knew that his every movement was watched; he could not hope to leave Rome without being stopped and interrogated.

If he desired to carry out Leander's project--and he desired it the more ardently the longer he reflected--his only course was this.

Why did it agitate him more than his treachery hitherto?
Why did he shake and perspire when he left Pelagius, after promising to bring Veranilda to Rome?
He knew not himself--unless it were due to a fear that he might perform his promise.
This fear it was, perhaps, which had filled his short sleep with dreams now terrible, now luxurious.

This fear it was which caught hold of him, at length distinct and intelligible, when, on turning his head towards the city soon after sunrise, he became aware of a group of horsemen following him at a distance of half a mile or so.

Thus had it been agreed with Pelagius.