On this account, chiefly, had Leander journeyed to Sicily, to look after the supplies of corn, and seek out those who were to blame for the recent negligence.

His bushy eyebrows gave a hint of their sterner possibilities as he spoke of the measures he had taken, the reproofs and threats he had distributed.
'May I live,' breathed Petronilla, with modest emphasis, 'to see a great, a noble, a puissant Pontiff in the Apostolic Chair!' Whereat the deacon smiled, well understanding whither the lady looked for her ideal Pope.

She went on to speak of the part Vigilius had played in the deposition and miserable death of his predecessor Silverius, and that, as was too well known, at the bidding of haughty, unscrupulous women, the Empress Theodora and her friend Antonina, wife of Belisarius.

Verily, the time had come for a great reform at the Lateran; the time had come, and perhaps the divine instrument was not far to seek.

Whereupon Petronilla murmured ardently, and the deacon again smiled.
There was a pause.