"I look forward to the day when I shall be free, and able to hasten to wherever you are settled," answered Jovinian. "Your prayers will support me; I, too, will pray for myself, that I may be kept to the truth." The heathen officer could not be induced to allow Jovinian to exchange further farewells with his friends, being still afraid--seeing the number of persons around--that an attempt might be made to rescue his prisoner. They did their utmost to console him, after the boat pushed off; but it was with an aching heart that he saw the sails spread, and the _Dolphin_ gliding out into the blue sea, which shone brightly in the rays of the rising sun, beyond the harbour. Jovinian, with a heavy heart, walked with the officer to the inn, where the vehicle was waiting which was to convey him back to Rome. The blow he had received was so sudden that he could not for some time recover from it. He had been looking forward to days of happiness in the company of Julia and her parents, when his faith would have been strengthened, and he would have been able to profit by the guidance and instruction of Severus. He was now, once more, he supposed, to be exposed to the importunities of his uncle to turn idolater: and although he trusted that he should not be moved, it would be painful to be continually engaged in controversies with his relative. From the treatment he had before received, he was not much afraid that force would be used; at the same time he could not tell to what devices Gaius might resort to influence him. He fervently prayed that he might have strength to resist them.