"Speak now.

Doth not the spirit move thee ?" She gave him his cue, for he had of purpose held his peace till all had been said; and he had come to say some things which had been churning in his mind too long.

He caught the faint cool sarcasm in her tone, and smiled unconsciously at her last words.

She, at least, must have reasons for her faith in him, must have grounds for his defence in painful days to come; for painful they must be, whether he stayed to do their will, or went into the fighting world where Quakers were few and life composite of things they never knew in Hamley.
He got to his feet and clasped his hands behind his back.

After an instant he broke silence.
"All those things of which I am accused, I did; and for them is asked repentance.