5/18 Perchance, in respect for the honoured Maximus, they would feel reluctant to see me take your place.' 'O modest Decius!' exclaimed the other. 'Which, pray, carries the more dignity, your name or mine ?--not to speak of your learning and my ignorance. As to Aurelia, I can ease your mind at once. She would not dream of objecting.' 'Then let us, to-morrow, beg audience of the pious lady at Surrentum, and request her permission.' The proposal made Basil uncomfortable; but a visit of respect to Petronilla was certainly due, and perhaps it would pass without troublesome incident. He nodded assent. |