It would have been wiser,' he added, 'to have said nothing, to have gone away as before.

When shall you be ready ?' 'I am ready now.

Why delay?
What matter though we reach Surrentum by night?
The moon rises early.' 'What reply was given to the messenger from the citadel ?' 'He learned, perforce, that we were preparing for a journey.' A moment's reflection and Basil decided to risk immediate departure; delay and uncertainty were at all times hateful to him, and at the present juncture intolerable.

At once he quitted the house (not having ventured to speak the name of Veranilda), and in an hour's time the covered carriage from Puteoli, and another vehicle, were in waiting.
The baggage was brought out; then, as Basil stood in the hall, he saw Aurelia come forward, accompanied by a slight female figure, whose grace could not be disguised by the long hooded cloak which wrapped it from head to foot, allowing not a glimpse of face.

The young man trembled, and followed.