Your Sublimity will see that it is impossible to delay him.' Teeth hard set, and eyes aflame, the Hun took a step forward.

In the same instant, Venantius laid a hand upon his sword, and, at the gesture, his armed men looked to their weapons.
'Where is this Basil ?' demanded Chorsoman.
'I will let him know if you wish to speak with him,' replied Marcian.
'You shall be spared the trouble.

Lord Venantius, bid your followers retire and get their horses ready, whilst you and I go in search of lord Basil.

You will not refuse me your company for a few minutes ?' Cunning had again subdued the Hun's violence, and discretion prevailed with the Roman.

Together they passed through the atrium, Chorsoman casting eager glances about him, and to the inner court; but the followers of Venantius, obedient to a silent order, still kept their position in face of the Greek soldiers, and this Chorsoman knew.
'You understand,' said the Hun, when they were alone together, you, a brave and honourable man, how my duty to the Emperor obliges me to act.
I, of course, take possession of this villa until Aurelia is discovered.