The life of convention, of indifference, dies before Pompilia's eyes; and on the instant he is true to himself, to her, and to God.

The fleeting passions which had absorbed him, and were of the senses, are burned up, and the spiritual love for her purity, and for purity itself--that eternal, infinite desire--is now master of his life.

Not as Miranda and Ferdinand changed eyes in youthful love, but as Dante and Beatrice look on one another in Paradise, did Pompilia and Caponsacchi change eyes, and know at once that both were true, and see without speech the central worth of their souls.

They trusted one another and they loved for ever.

So, when she cried to him in her distress, he did her bidding and bore her away to Rome.