Every fibre of his being urged him to gather her to his breast, whilst he poured courage and comfort into her ear.

He fainted almost with desire to kiss those tender eyes, upturned to his in her piteous pleading that he should not endanger his own life.

But suppressing all, he only smiled, though very tenderly.
"Be brave, Madonna, and trust in me a little.

Have I failed you yet?
Need you then fear that I shall fail you now ?" At that she seemed to gather courage.

The words reawakened her confidence in his splendid strength.
"We shall laugh over this when we break our fast," he cried.