This could not pass as a matter of small moment.
Plainly, permission to depart must be sought of the authorities, and such permission, under the circumstances, could only be granted in return for substantial payment--a payment in proportion to the lady's rank.

It was known that the senator Maximus had died, and report said that his daughter inherited great wealth.

The price of her passport would be one thousand gold pieces.
Basil knew that Aurelia had not, in the coffer she was taking away, a quarter of this sum of money.

He foresaw endless delay, infinite peril to his hopes.

Schooling a hot tongue to submissive utterance, he asked that Aurelia might be consulted.
'Speak with her yourself,' said the Hun, 'and bring her answer.' So Basil went forth, and, under the eyes of the guard, held converse with his cousin.