She trusted God and stood in reverent awe of Him; but one could easily see that the Virgin held her heart and was her refuge in time of trouble.
When I turned to leave she called me back, saying:-- "I have a mind to tell Max the truth--to tell him who I am." "I would not do so now," I answered, fearing, perhaps with good reason, the effect of the disclosure on Max.

"After the combat, if you wish to tell him--" "But if he should fall ?" said the girl, beginning to weep again and clinging desperately to my arm.

"If he should fall, not knowing who I am ?" "Max will not fall, Yolanda.

Dismiss that fear from your heart." My bold words served a double purpose.

They at least partially satisfied Yolanda, and they strengthened me.
Of course Max and I at once began to prepare for the combat.