On one side of the bed were Aurelia and the deacon; on the other, Petronilla and Basil and Decius.

Though kneeling, the senator's daughter held herself proudly.

Though tears were on her face, she hardly disguised an air of triumph.

Nor was the head of Petronilla bent; her countenance looked hard and cold as marble.

Leander, a model of decorum, stepped with grave greeting towards the prelate, and whispered a word or two.