But it is not for long.

A few days--' He broke off with the little laugh of a triumphing lover.
'A few days ?' responded Veranilda, timidly questioning.
'We wait only until that dark ship has sailed for Rome.' 'Does Aurelia know that you purpose it so soon ?' asked Veranilda.
'Why?
Has she seemed to you to wish otherwise ?' 'She has never spoken of it .-- And afterwards?
Shall we remain here, Basil ?' 'For no long time.

Here I am but a guest.

We must dwell where I am lord and you lady of all about us.' He told her of his possessions, of the great house in Rome with the villa at Arpinum.

Then he asked her, playfully, but with a serious purpose in his mind, which of the two she would prefer for an abode.
'I have no choice but yours,' she replied.