Arrangements were speedily made for the entertainment of the little armed troop, and as dusk gathered the host and his two guests sat down to supper.

Whilst the meal was being made ready, Basil had found opportunity of speech with Aurelia, who heard with great satisfaction of the coming of Venantius, and promised to receive him early on the morrow.
'The lady Aurelia's name is not unknown to me,' said Venantius, when Basil spoke of her at table.

He would have added a remark, but paused with a look at the attendant slaves.

'Her illustrious father,' he went on, 'I spoke with when I was young.

But for the illness of Maximus I should have ventured hither during this year gone by, notwithstanding some difference in our view of things; or rather, to make sure whether there really was as much difference as I supposed.' 'Perchance you would have found that there was not,' said Basil.
'Certainly not towards the end.' 'May his soul repose! He had the bearing which suited with his noble name--a true Anicius to look upon.