While the Sister of the Saints lies in duresse, or if she be unjustly slain, I have set up my rest to abide unwed, for ever, as the Bride of Heaven.

And, if the last evil befall her, as well I deem it must, I shall withdraw me from the world into the sisterhood of the Clarisses." Had the great mid-beam of the roof fallen and smitten me, I could not have been stricken more dumb and dead.

My face showed what was in my mind belike, for, looking fearfully and tenderly on me, she took my hand between hers and cherished it.
"My love," I said at last, "you see in what case I am, that can scarce speak for sorrow, after all I have ventured, and laboured, and won, for you and for the Maid." "And I," she answered, "being but a girl, can venture and give nothing but my poor prayers; and if she now perish, then I must pray the more continually for the good rest of her soul, and the forgiveness of her enemies and false friends." "Sure, she hath already the certain promise of Paradise, and even in this world her life is with the Saints.

And if men slay her body, we need her prayers more than she needs ours." But Elliot said no word, being very wilful.
"Consider what manner of friend the Maid is," I said, "who desires nothing but joy and happy life to all whom she loves, as she loves you.
Verily, I am right well assured that, could she see us in this hour, she would bid you be happy with me, and not choose penance for love of her." "If she herself bids me do as you desire," said Elliot at last, "then I would not be disobedient to that Daughter of God." Here I took some comfort, for now a thought came into my mind.
"But," said Elliot, "as we read of the rich man and Lazarus, between her and us is a great gulf fixed, and none may come from her to us, or from us to her." "Elliot!" I said, "if either the Maid be delivered, or if she sends you sure and certain tidings under her own hand that she wills you to put off this humour, will you then be persuaded, and make no more delay!" "Indeed, if either of these miracles befall, or both, right gladly will I obey both you and her.

But now her Saints, methinks, have left her, wearied by the wickedness of France." "I ask no more," I answered, "for, Elliot, either the Maid shall be free, or she shall send you this command, or you shall see my face no more." My purpose was now clear before me, even as I executed it, as shall be seen.
"Indeed, if my vow must be kept, never may I again behold you; for oh! my love, my heart would surely break in twain, being already weak with grief and fasting, and weary with prayer." Whereon she laid her kind arms about my neck, and, despite my manhood, I wept no less than she.
For Holy Writ says well, that hope deferred maketh the heart sick; and mine was sick unto death.
Of my resolve I spoke no word more to Elliot, lest her counsel should change when she knew the jeopardy whereinto I was firmly minded to go.
And to my master I said no more than that I was minded to ride to the Court, and for that end I turned into money a part of my treasure, for money I should need more than arms.
One matter in especial, which I deemed should stand me in the greatest stead, I purchased for gold of the pottinger at Tours, the same who had nursed me after my wound.