"It would be more interesting," said the Prefect quietly, "but more difficult."
"But," continued Procopius, "I cannot help shuddering at the biting acrimony of your spirit. It is a sign of the times in which we live. It is like a poisonous but brilliant flower in a swamp. When I recollect how you have ruined the Gothic King by means of his own wife----"
"I have something to tell you about that. Lately I have heard very little from my fair ally----"
"Your ally? Your ways are----"
"Always practical."
"But not always---- But never mind. I am with you--for yet a little while, for I wish to get my hero out of Italy as soon as possible. He shall gather laurels in Persia instead of thorns here. But I will only go with you as far----"
"As it suits you, of course."
"Enough! I will at once speak with Antonina. I do not doubt of success. She is tired to death here. She burns with desire, not only to see many an old friend in Byzantium, but also to ruin the enemies of her husband."
"A good bad wife!"
"But Witichis? Do you think he will believe a rebellion on the part of Belisarius possible?"