She would detain him, and whilst warning him at the last moment, in time for him to save himself; not do so until it must be too late for him to warn the others.
Thus she would do her duty by him, and yet keep faith with Richard and Sir Rowland.

She had resolved, she thought, the awful difficulty that had confronted her.

She rose suddenly, heartened by the thought.
"Give me your cloak and wimple," she bade Diana, and Diana flew to do her bidding.

"Where is Mr.Wilding lodged ?" she asked.
"At the sign of The Ship--overlooking the Cross, with Mr.Trenchard.
Shall I come with you ?" "No," answered Ruth without hesitation.

"I will go alone." She drew the wimple well over her head, so that in its shadows her face might lie concealed, and hid her shimmering white dress under Diana's cloak.
She hastened through the ill-lighted streets, never heeding the rough cobbles that hurt her feet, shod in light indoor wear, never heeding the crowds that thronged her way.