In the stillness of their secluded abode, Aurelia and Veranilda went to rest earlier than usual this evening, for they were to arise before the dawn. This afternoon they had been visited by the black monk, who announced the return of Sisinnius, and invited them to the promised mass on the morrow; and such was their agitation in the foretaste of this religious ecstasy, as well as in the hope of having their future revealed to them, that neither slept much during the night. Not long after the crowing of the first cock, when all was silent and dark, Aurelia stepped, with a lamp in her hand, into the maiden's chamber. 'Is it the hour?' whispered Veranilda, raising herself. 'Not yet. I have had a troubled dream. I dreamt that this night the holy Sisinnius had fought with the demon, and had been worsted. O Veranilda!'--the speaker's voice trembled--'what may this mean?' 'Dearest lady,' answered the other reassuringly, 'may it not be a temptation of the demon himself; who at times is permitted to tempt even the holiest?' 'And you, sweet? You have not dreamt?' 'Only of Basil,' answered Veranilda, with a smile that asked pardon for her happiness. They talked over the disquieting vision, whilst the little lamp-flame, wavering in breaths of air, cast strange shadows about the room. On the walls were faded frescoes, one of which represented the poetess Proba on her knees before St. Agnes. Impelled by her fears, Aurelia of a sudden knelt before this picture, and prayed silently to the virgin martyr. Then Veranilda rose from the couch, and knelt beside her. Having solaced their souls, they kissed each other tenderly. 'You are not afraid,' whispered Veranilda, 'that Basil may be in the garden when we go forth?' 'Basil? Ah, little rogue, have you betrayed yourself?' 'Of a truth, dearest lady, he has been there more than once, but not, oh not so early!' 'Nay, I hope not,' said Aurelia. 'It were scarce maidenly--' 'Never, never before the east had broken for the dayspring! Never, I swear to you, O my heart's friend!' 'Then there is small fear of his interrupting us this morning; all the more that he must have sat late with his friends, talking of many things. I am glad of the coming of this brave Venantius; it puts an end to every peril.'