'Do you think they will let us depart without hindrance?
Yesterday I saw the owner of this house to transact my business with him.

It is Venustus, a curial, a man who has always been well disposed to me.

He said that he must perforce make known to the governor my intention of leaving the city, and hoped no obstacle would be put in our way.

This morning, before sunrise, a messenger from the citadel came and put questions to the porter.' Basil knitted his brows.
'Venustus?
It is with Venustus that Marcian lodges.

Yes, Marcian is here; I know not on what business.