"Thus we administer justice in Rome," said the one speaker, in whom Tristan recognized the voice of the Grand Chamberlain. "Somewhat like in our own feudal chateaux," came back the surly reply. Tristan started as the voice reached his ear. How came Roger de Laval here in that company? "You approve?" said the silken voice. "There is nothing like night and thirst to make the flesh pliable." "Then why not profit thereby?--But are you still resolved upon this thing?"-- There was a pause. The voice barked reply: "It is a fair exchange." Their talk died to a vague murmur till presently the harsher voice rose above the silence. "Well, then, my Lord Basil, if these matters be as you say,--if you will use your good offices with the Lady Theodora--" "Can you doubt my sincerity--my desire to promote your interests--even to the detriment of my own?" His companion spat viciously. "He who sups with the devil must needs have a long spoon. What is to be your share?" "Your meaning is not quite clear, my lord." "Naught for naught!" Roger snarled viciously. "Shall we say--the price of your services?" "My lord," piped Basil with an injured air, "you wrong me deeply. It is but my interest in you, my desire to see you reconciled to your beautiful wife--" "How know you she is beautiful?" came the snarling reply. "I, too, was an unseen witness of your meeting at the Arch of the Seven Candles," Basil replied suavely. "Was all Rome abroad to gaze upon my shame?" growled Basil's companion. "Though--in a manner--I am revenged," he continued, through his clenched teeth. "Instead of giving her her freedom, I shall use her shrinking body for my plaything--I shall use her so that no other lover shall desire her. As for that low-born churl--" With a low cry Tristan, sword in hand, made a forward lunge. The monk's grip restrained him. "Madman!" Odo whispered in his ear. "Would you court certain death?" The words of the twain had died to a whisper. Thus they were lost to Tristan's ear, though he strained every nerve, a deadly fear for Hellayne weighting down his soul. The two continued their walk, passing so near that Tristan could have touched the hem of their garbs. Basil was importuning his companion on some matter which the latter could not hear. Laval's reply seemed not in accord with the Grand Chamberlain's plans, for his voice became more insistent. "But you will come--my lord--and you will bring your beautiful Countess? Remember, her presence in Rome is no longer a secret. And--whatever the cause which prompted her--pilgrimage, would you have the Roman mob point sneering fingers at Roger de Laval?"-- "By God, they shall not!" "Then the wisdom of my counsel speaks for itself," Basil interposed soothingly. "It is the one reward I crave." There was a pause. Whatever of evil brooded in that brief space of time only these two knew.