The eyes of the Empress shone with hatred.
Justinianus became uneasy.
"Go," he said, "I will consult with the Empress alone. To-morrow you shall hear my decision."
CHAPTER XV.
No sooner were they gone, than Justinian went up to his wife, and pressed a kiss upon her white forehead.
"Forgive him," he said, "he means well."
"I know it," she answered, returning the kiss. "It is for this reason, and because he is indispensable as a foil to Belisarius, that he still lives."
"You are right, as always," cried Justinian, putting his arm round her, and thus walking with her up and down the room.
"What does he intend to do?" thought Theodora; "this tenderness indicates a bad conscience."
"You are right," he repeated, "God has denied me the spirit which decides the fate of battles, and, in compensation, has given me these two men of victory---fortunately two of them. Their jealousy of each other secures my dominion better than their fidelity. Either of these generals alone would be a continual danger to the state, and on the day that they become friends, my throne will shake. You continue to excite their mutual dislike?"