To the surprise of both, Petronilla received them in her modest abode not ungraciously, though with marked condescension; she gave them to understand that her days, and much of her nights, passed in religious exercises, the names of her kinsfolk not being omitted from her prayers; of the good bishop she spoke almost tenderly, and with a humble pride related that she had been able to ease a persistent headache from which his Sanctity suffered.

When Basil found an opportunity of reporting what had passed between him and Decius, the lady's austere smile was for a moment clouded; it looked as though storm might follow.

But the smile returned, with perhaps a slightly changed significance.

Did Basil think of remaining long at the villa?
Ah, he could not say; to be sure, the times were so uncertain.

For her own part, she would start on her journey as soon as the coffin was on board the ship.