e said, and fell silent
again.

Then, we being alone in the chamber, I tried to take her hand, but she
drew it away.

"My dear love," she said, "I know all that is in your heart, and all my
love that is in mine you know well. But in mine there is no care for
happiness and joy, and to speak as plain as a maiden may, I have now no
will to marry. While the Sister of the Saints lies in duresse, or if she
be unjustly slain, I have set up my rest to abide unwed, for ever, as the
Bride of Heaven. And, if the last evil befall her, as well I deem it
must, I shall withdraw me from the world into the sisterhood of the
Clarisses."

Had the great mid-beam of the roof fallen and smitten me, I could not
have been stricken more dumb and dead. My face showed what was in my
mind belike, for, looking fearfully and tenderly on me, she took my hand
between hers and cherished it.

"My love," I said at last, "you see in what case I am, that can scarce
speak for sorrow, after all I have ventured, and laboured, and won, for
you and for the Maid."

"And I," she answered, "being but a girl, can venture and give nothing
but my poor prayers; and if she now perish, then I must pray the more
continually for the good rest of her soul, and the forgiveness of her
enemies and false friends."

"Sure, she hath already the certain promise of Paradise, and even in this
world her life is with the Saints. And if men slay her body, we need her
prayers more than she needs ours."

But Elliot said no word, being very wilful.

"Consider what manner of friend the Maid is," I said, "who desires
nothing but joy and happy life to all whom she loves, as she loves you.
Verily, I am right well assured that, could she see us in this hour, she
would bid you be happy with me, and not choose penance for love of her."

"If she herself bids me do as you desire," said Elliot at last, "then I
would not be disobedient to that Daughter of God."

Here I took some comfort, for now a thought came into my mind.

"But," said Elliot, "as we read of the rich man and Lazarus, between her
and us is a great gulf fixed, and none may come from her to us, or from
us to her."

"Elliot!" I said, "if either the Maid be delivered, or if she sends you
sure and certain tidings under her own hand that she wills you to put off
this humour, will you then be persuaded, and make no more delay!"

"Indeed, if either of these miracles befall, or both, right gladly will I
obey both you a