'A Gothic princess?
Whose daughter, then ?' asked Marcian.

And Basil, who desired nothing more than to speak on this subject, little by little threw off his hesitancy, grew rapid and eager in narration.

He told how, on his first introduction to Aurelia's presence, he had found sitting with her a young girl, whose aspect proclaimed her of the Gothic race.

In a second interview with his cousin, alone, Aurelia had spoken of this companion, bestowing much praise upon her, and declaring that they were united by an affection which nothing could diminish.

She was of Amal blood; more than that Aurelia seemed unwilling to reveal.
'Did you not learn her name ?' asked the listener.
'Veranilda.' Marcian echoed the melodious syllables, but they told him nothing.
'And did you make no inquiry of those with whom you spoke ?' 'I conversed as little as might be with strangers, and purposely held apart from our acquaintances in the town; this was my uncle's express command.' 'You had no second sight of her ?' 'Indeed I had; and talked with her moreover.