But she was on guard and ready to spoil his game.
Did Eva really fail to understand the new feeling which had seized her so swiftly and powerfully?
Did she lull herself in the delusion that she cared only for the welfare of the soul of the pious young knight?
Yes, it might be so, and prudent Els, who had watched her own little world intently enough, said to herself that it would be pouring oil upon the flames to tease Eva about the defeat which she, the "little saint," had sustained in the battle against the demands of the world and of the feminine heart.

Besides, her sister was too dear for her to rejoice in her humiliation.

Els resolved not to utter a word about the Swiss unless compelled to do so.
Eva's prayers before retiring were often very long, but to-night it seemed as if they would never end.
"She is not appealing to St.Clare for herself alone, but for another," thought Els.

"I spend less time in doing it.

True, a Heinz Schorlin needs longer intercession than my Eva, my Wolff, and my poor pious mother.