Veranilda

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George Gissing. Veranilda

CHAPTER I. THE VANQUISHED ROMAN

CHAPTER II. BASIL'S VISION

CHAPTER III. THE DEACON LEANDER

CHAPTER IV. TO CUMAE

CHAPTER V. BASIL AND VERANILDA

CHAPTER VI. THE EMPEROR'S COMMAND

CHAPTER VII. HERESY

CHAPTER VIII. THE SNARE

CHAPTER IX. CHORSOMAN

CHAPTER X. THE ANICIANS

CHAPTER XI. SEEKING

CHAPTER XII. HELIODORA

CHAPTER XIII. THE SOUL OF ROME

CHAPTER XIV. SILVIA'S DREAM

CHAPTER XV. YOUNG ROME

CHAPTER XVI. WHISPERS

CHAPTER XVII. LEANDER THE POLITIC

CHAPTER XVIII. PELAGIUS

CHAPTER XIX. THE PRISONER OF PRAENESTE

CHAPTER XX. THE ISLAND IN THE LIRIS

CHAPTER XXI. THE BETRAYER BETRAYED

CHAPTER XXII. DOOM

CHAPTER XXIII. THE RED HAND

CHAPTER XXIV. THE MOUNT OF THE MONK

CHAPTER XXV. THE ABBOT'S TOWER

CHAPTER XXVI. VIVAS IN DEO

CHAPTER XXVII. THE KING OF THE GOTHS

CHAPTER XXVIII. AT HADRIAN'S VILLA

CHAPTER XXIX. ROME BELEAGUERED

CHAPTER XXX * * * *

Отрывок из книги

Basil and Decius paced together a garden alley, between a row of quince-trees and a hedge of Christ's-thorn; at one end was a fountain in a great basin of porphyry, at the other a little temple, very old and built for the worship of Isis, now an oratory under the invocation of the Blessed Mary. The two young men made a singular contrast, for Basil, who was in his twenty-third year, had all the traits of health and vigour: a straight back, lithe limbs, a face looking level on the world, a lustrous eye often touched to ardour, a cheek of the purest carnation, a mouth that told of fine instincts, delicate sensibilities, love of laughter. No less did his costume differ from the student's huddled garb; his tunic was finely embroidered in many hues, his silken cloak had a great buckle of gold on the shoulder; he wore ornate shoes, and by his waist hung a silver-handled dagger in a sheath of chased bronze. He stepped lightly, as one who asks but the occasion to run and leap. In their intimate talk, he threw an arm over his companion's neck, a movement graceful as it was affectionate; his voice had a note frank and cordial.

Yet Basil was not quite his familiar self to-day; he talked with less than his natural gaiety, wore a musing look, fell into silences. Now that Aurelia had come, there was no motive for reserve on that subject with Decius, and indeed they conversed of their kinswoman with perfect openness, pitying rather than condemning her, and wondering what would result from her presence under one roof with the rigid Petronilla. Not on Aurelia's account did Basil droop his head now and then, look about him vacantly, bite his lip, answer a question at hazard, play nervously with his dagger's hilt. All at once, with an abruptness which moved his companion's surprise, he made an inquiry, seemingly little relevant to their topic.

.....

The eyes of Basil and of Marcian encountered. Between them came no shadow of distrust, the smile they exchanged told of loyal affection.

'This Totila,' pursued Marcian, 'seems to be not only a brave and capable commander, but a shrewd politician. Everywhere he spares the people; he takes nothing by force; his soldiers buy at market; he protects the farmer against the taxing Greek. As a result, his army grows; where he passes, he leaves a good report, and before him goes a welcome. At this rate he will soon make all Italy his own. And unless the Patricius returns—'

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