"I knew you couldn't understand.

I--I--oh, God, I love him so!" With a cry like that of a wounded animal she fled out into the night, where she could give vent to her anguish unseen; for she had never wept before her father, but always crept away and hid herself until her grief was spent.

Gale would have started after her, but Alluna dragged him back fiercely.
"No, no! It means your life, John.

Let the secret die, and she will forget.

She is so young.