"His pale face has become still paler," he remarked to Licinius.
"Yes. They say that the Empress, because she could not seduce him, has poisoned him."
The Prince, bowing his acknowledgments to all sides, had now reached Belisarius, who greeted him reverently.
"I return your greeting, Belisarius," said the Prince gravely; "follow me at once to the palace. Where is Cethegus the Prefect? Where is Bessas? Ah, Cethegus!" he said, grasping the latter's hand, "I am glad to see again the greatest man in Italy. You will presently accompany me to the granddaughter of Theodoric. To her belongs my first visit. I bring her gifts from Justinian and my humble service. She was a prisoner in her own kingdom; she shall be a queen at the Court of Byzantium."
"That she shall!" thought Cethegus. He bowed profoundly and said, "I know that you are acquainted with the Princess already. Her hand was once destined for you."
A flush rapidly spread over the cheek of the Prince.
"But unfortunately," he answered, "not her heart. I saw her here years ago, at her mother's court, and since then, my mind's eye has beheld nothing but her picture."
"Yes, she is the loveliest woman on earth," said the Prefect quietly.
"Accept this chrysolite as thanks for that word!" cried Germanus, and put a ring upon the Prefect's finger.
They entered the door of the palace. "Now, Mataswintha," said Cethegus to himself, "now a new life begins for you. I know no Roman woman--one girl perhaps excepted--who could resist such a temptation. And shall this rude barbarian withstand?"