It had been the secret of his life's success so far.

He had never taken a refusal.

He had never believed that when man or woman said no that no was meant; and, if it were meant, he still believed that constant dropping would wear away the stone.

He still held that persistence was the greatest lever in the world, that unswerving persistence was the master of opportunity.
They had now come to two paths in the park leading different ways.
"This road leads to Kenilworth, this to your prison," he said with a slow gesture, his eyes fixed upon hers.

"I will go to my prison, then," she said, stepping forward, "and alone, by your leave." Leicester was a good sportsman.