"My father!" cried Valeria, startled, but with courageous composure. Totila put one arm round her.
"Away, Valeria! leave the barbarian!" cried Valerius, stretching out his hand commandingly.
"No, Valerius," cried Totila, pressing Valeria close to his breast; "henceforward her place is on my bosom!"
"Audacious Goth!"
"Hear me, Valerius, and be not angry with us for this deceit. You yourself heard that it was to end tomorrow."
"Fortunately for you, I did. Warned by an old friend, I could still scarcely believe that my daughter--would deceive me. When I was compelled to believe my eyes, I was resolved that your life should pay for her fault. Your words saved you. But now go; you will never again see her face."
Totila would have retorted angrily, but Valeria was beforehand.
"Father," she said quietly, stepping between the two men, "listen to your child. I will not excuse my love, it needs no apology. It is as innocent and heavenly as are the stars. My love is the life of my life. You know me; truth is the air I breathe. By my soul! I will never leave this man!"
"Nor I her!" cried Totila, and took her right-hand.
The young couple stood erect before the old man in the bright moonlight, their noble features filled with sacred enthusiasm. They looked so beautiful that a softened feeling took possession of the angry father.