The gallery outside his chamber was lighted with a hanging lamp, and at a little distance sounded the footstep of the watchman, who told him that the morning was fair, and, at his bidding, opened a door which admitted to the open terrace overlooking the sea.

Having stepped forth, Basil stood for a moment sniffing the cool air with its scent from the vineyards, and looking at the yellow rift in the eastern sky; then he followed a path which skirted the villa's outward wall and led towards the dwelling of Aurelia.

Presently he reached the ruined wall of the little garden, and here a voice challenged him, that of a servant on watch until sunrise.
'It is well,' he replied.

'I will relieve you for this last half hour; go to your rest.' But the slave hesitated.

He had strictest orders, and feared to disobey them even at this bidding.
'You are an honest fellow,' said Basil, 'and the lady Aurelia shall know of your steadfastness.