As he entered, Gothelindis, struck by his gloomy aspect, cried:
"For God's sake, what evil news do you bring?"
The Prefect only knit his brows, and answered quietly:
"Evil news? For him whom it hurts! I come from a meeting of my friends, where I first learned what all Rome will soon know. Belisarius has landed!"
"At last!" exclaimed Theodahad.
And the Queen also could not conceal an expression of triumph.
"Do not rejoice too soon; you may repent it. I do not come to call you and your friend Petros to account; he who treats with traitors must be prepared for lies. I only come to tell you that you are now most certainly lost."
"Lost?"
"We are saved!"
"No, Queen. Belisarius, on landing, published a manifesto. He says that he comes to punish the murderers of Amalaswintha. A high price and his favour are assured to those who give you up, alive or dead."