He returned to his study.
"Petros, my visitor is the Princess Gothelindis, the wife of Theodahad. She wishes to speak to both of us. Do you know her?"
"I? oh no. I have never seen her," answered Petros quickly.
"'Tis well; follow me."
As soon as they entered the hall, Gothelindis cried out:
"Welcome, old friend! What a surprising meeting!"
Petros was dumb. Cethegus, his hands clasped behind his back, enjoyed the confusion of the Byzantine.
"Do you see, Petros? always too cunning, always unnecessary subtleties! But come, do not be so cast down by the discovery of a trick. So you two have combined together for the Queen's ruin. You wish to persuade me to help you. But before doing so, I must know your intentions exactly. Whom will you place upon Amalaswintha's throne? For the way is not yet open for Justinian."
Both were silent for some moments. His clear perception of the situation surprised them. At last Gothelindis spoke:
"Theodahad, my husband, the last of the Amelungs."