You will then also set your signature to a paper, which I shall write, making confession of the orthodox faith, and undertaking to be duly reconciled with the church, by the imposition of hands, at some convenient season.

That is all that will be asked of you for the present.

The lady Petronilla'-- he all but smiled in uttering the name--'shall not even suspect what has happened.' 'Will this villa be mine ?' asked the listener after brief reflection.
'This villa shall be yours.' An exultant gleam shone in Aurelia's eyes.
'Deacon,' she said sternly, 'your promise is not enough.

Swear to me that no one living, save my father and you, shall know.' From his bosom Leander drew forth a little golden cross.
'This,' he said reverently, 'contains dust of iron from the bars on which the blessed Laurentius suffered martyrdom.' 'Swear also,' demanded Aurelia, 'by the Holy Pancratius.' In the name of both saints Leander took his oath of secrecy.

Petronilla was of course aware that the deacon had been admitted to audience by her niece.