"And what would my queen have?" he asked. "All I have, or ever shall have, is hers."
"Queen indeed,—queen of a sepulcher, of the Mausoleum of an emperor," she replied scornfully. "But I ask not for jewels or palaces—or women's toys. I am my lord's helpmate. I am to take counsel in affairs of state."
A musing glance broke from the Senator's eyes.
"Affairs of state," he said, with a smile and a sigh. "Alas,—I hoped when I turned my back on Aventine, there would be love awaiting me and oblivion—in Stephania's arms. But I have strange news for you,—has it reached your ear?"
She shook her head. "I know of nothing stranger than the prevailing state."
He ignored the veiled reproach.
"Margrave Eckhardt of Meissen, the German commander-in-chief, is bent upon taking holy orders. I thought it was an idle rumour, some gossip of the taverns, but within the hour it has been confirmed to me by a source whose authenticity is above doubt."
"And your informant?"
"Benilo, the Chamberlain."
"And whence this sudden world weariness?"