He could not thus summarily settle his future fate.

It meant too much to him.

He must take time to think.

His heart clamors loudly for its rights; he is only twenty-six--and in a rush of feeling which should have been his salvation, he turned toward that nest among the flowers where help was to be had if help was to come at all in this crisis of conflicting passions.
* * * * * The hour was noon, one which he had never chosen before for a visit to Ermentrude.

Would he find her in?
Would she be in spirits to meet him?
Would she look beautiful--worthy of his name, worthy of the greatest sacrifice a man can make for a woman?
He half hoped that she would; that he would find his chains riveted and secure beyond the power of any force to break.
As his musings faltered, he turned the knob of the little side door and went in.