"Gothelindis," interrupted the Prefect, "no threats! They are of no use. You must comprehend that they can only aggravate, but not control me. In case of need, I would allow it to come to an open accusation. You are known as the bitter enemy of Amalaswintha, and your evidence alone--you were imprudent enough to confess that no one else heard the declaration of the dying man--would ruin neither her nor me. You cannot force me to act against the Queen; at the most, you could persuade me, if you can show that it would be to my advantage. And to do this, I myself will propose an ally to you. You certainly know Petros, my friend?" "Very well; long since." "Permit me to fetch him to this conference." He returned to his study. "Petros, my visitor is the Princess Gothelindis, the wife of Theodahad. She wishes to speak to both of us. Do you know her?" "I? oh no. I have never seen her," answered Petros quickly. "'Tis well; follow me." As soon as they entered the hall, Gothelindis cried out: "Welcome, old friend! What a surprising meeting!" Petros was dumb. Cethegus, his hands clasped behind his back, enjoyed the confusion of the Byzantine. "Do you see, Petros? always too cunning, always unnecessary subtleties! But come, do not be so cast down by the discovery of a trick. So you two have combined together for the Queen's ruin. You wish to persuade me to help you. But before doing so, I must know your intentions exactly. Whom will you place upon Amalaswintha's throne? For the way is not yet open for Justinian." Both were silent for some moments. His clear perception of the situation surprised them. At last Gothelindis spoke: "Theodahad, my husband, the last of the Amelungs." "Theodahad, the last of the Amelungs," Cethegus repeated slowly. Meanwhile, he considered all the advantages and disadvantages of this plan. He reflected that Theodahad, unloved by the Goths, and raised to the throne by Petros, would soon be entirely in the power of the Byzantines, and that the catastrophe would be brought about in a different manner and earlier than he intended. He reflected that he must at all events keep the armies of the East Romans at a distance for the longest possible time, and he decided to keep up the present state of things and support Amalaswintha, because thus he would gain time for his preparations. All this he had thought over, weighed, and decided upon, in a few moments. "And how will you commence proceedings?" he asked gravely. "We shall desire the Queen to abdicate in favour of my husband, threatening, in case of refusal, to accuse her of murder." "And if she runs the risk?" "We will carry out our threat," said Petros, "and raise a storm amongst the Goths, which will----" "Cost her her life!" cried Gothelindis. "Perhaps cost her her throne," said Cethegus, "but hardly give it to Theodahad. No, if the Goths are allowed to _choose_ a king, he will not bear the name of 'Theodahad.'" "That is too true," said Gothelindis angrily.