It was not so much love as loss.

What to do, where to look, which way to turn first, she knew no longer, and could not think, for lack of the hand that had been wont to guide her.
The neighbouring Moors heard of what had happened to Naomi, and some of the women among them came to see her.

They were poor farming people, oppressed by cruel taxmasters; and the first things they saw were the cattle and sheep, and the next thing was the simple girl with the child-face, who knew nothing yet of the ways wherein a lonely woman must fend for herself.
"You cannot live here alone, my daughter," they said; "you would perish.
Then think of the danger--a child like you, with a face like a flower! No, no, you must come to us.

We will look to you like one of our own, and protect you from evil men.

And as for the creatures--" "But he said I was never to leave this place," said Naomi.