Another king's grandchild, Matasuntha, lives, as you know, at Byzantium, and enjoys no little esteem at the Emperor's court; it is rumoured, indeed, that her husband Vitiges, having died somewhere in battle, Matasuntha is to wed a nephew of Justinian.

This lady, I am told, desires to know the daughter of Ebri--nay, then, of Theodenantha; of whom, it seems, a report has reached her.

A command of the Emperor has come to Bessas that the maiden Veranilda, resident at Cumae, be sent to Constantinople with all convenient speed.

And upon me, O Basil, lies the charge of seeking her in her dwelling, and of conveying her safely to Rome, where she will be guarded until--' 'Will be guarded!' echoed Basil fiercely.

'Nay, by the holy Peter and Paul, that will she not! You are my friend, Marcian, and I hold you dear, but if you attempt to obey this order--' Hand on dagger, and eyes glaring, the young noble had sprung to his feet.