"Well?" asked Valerius.
"I am certain," continued the girl, "that if war broke out you would then learn to love Totila as he deserves. He would defend me and Italy----
"Yes," said Julius, "he has an heroic nature, and something still greater than that----"
"I know of nothing greater!" cried Valerius.
At that moment clattering footsteps were heard in the atrium, and young Thorismuth, the leader of the Gothic escort, and Totila's shield-bearer, entered abruptly.
"Valerius," he said, "let the carriages be harnessed, the litters brought out; you must go at once."
They all started from their seats.
"What has happened? Have they landed?"
"Speak," said Julius, "what do you fear?"
"Nothing for myself," answered the Goth, smiling.