An intense depression both of body and mind had followed, and in the gathering twilight of that familiar room he sat in an attitude of profound dejection, whilst Freda scarce knew whether it were better to seek to find words of comfort, or to leave him alone to fight out the inevitable battle.
"Why did I do it?
Why did I consent ?" he suddenly broke out.

"Why did I listen to the voice of the charmer?
Would it have been so hard to die?
Will it not be harder to live with the stain of this sin upon my soul ?" "'The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin,'" spoke Freda very softly.
"And I have denied my Lord--in deed, if not in word," and he groaned aloud.
"It was an act of submission and obedience," spoke Freda, using the arguments familiar to her.

"Nor did you yourself cast upon the fire the precious Word of God; you did not deny your faith.

You affirmed--so they say--your assent to the doctrines of Holy Church, and did penance for past disobedience.

Is that a matter to grieve so greatly over ?" She spoke very gently, yet not as though her heart went altogether with her words.