eath we dared not
remain in Pavia or even in Lombardy; but, seizing the royal treasure and
leaving Maria behind, we fled to Ravenna, where Longinus, Narses'
successor, had his capitol. There we were royally entertained and most
kindly treated.

"It was not long before Helmichis grew disgustingly wearisome to me. He
quarreled much about the possession and division of the royal treasure,
which was very great, but never once did he see within the chests. He
was anything but a model husband, delighting in low company, flirting
with every maid and peasant girl and by nature fiercer and much less
refined than Alboin, whom I had found endurable, except when drunk.

"Longinus, on the other hand, was a refined and courtly man, having been
brought up in the palace of Justinian. I admired him much. He was wise,
brave, ambitious and most prepossessing in appearance. He had told me
several times that had I come to his court a widow, his disappointment
would have been great had I not remained as his Queen.

"About this time the Emperor Justin died and was succeeded by Tiberius.
He was so occupied by his wars with the Parthians as to neglect his
Italian possessions, leaving them masterless or to be ruled by Longinus
as the real, though not the nominal, King.

"I had become the confidential adviser of Longinus; and in discussing
matters of state and the condition of the empire, we concluded it was a
most opportune time to take possession of northern Italy to the Tiber;
and were convinced that by pooling our resources this could be
accomplished, were it not for Helmichis. The first step in the
consummation of our plan was to be rid of him.

"Each day he took a hot bath. He always came forth thirsty and demanded
that I prepare a cool, acid drink and hand him. Longinus, knowing this,
gave me a strong poison to put in his drink, and when next I mixed and
served it I used the poison.

"Helmichis drank more than half when, noticing the flavor, his suspicion
was aroused, and, knowing that he knew, I smiled. He snatched up his
short sword, caught me by the hair and, handing me the goblet, shouted:
'Drink or lose your head.'

"Preferring to die from the poison than be a disfigured, headless
corpse, I drank what remained, and died within five minutes of my
despised husband."

John awoke with a start, considerably disquieted by his dream.

The next evening, with Bradford, he called at the Neals'. Dorothy met
them at the door and they f