You think this should cut off all hope ?" Ercildoune had been watching him closely.

"If she does not love you," he answered, at the pause.
"I do not know.

I went away from here a little while ago with her peremptory command not to return.

I should not have dared disobey it had I not learned--thought--in fact, but for some circumstances--I beg your pardon--I do not know what I am saying.

I believed if I saw her once more I could change her determination,--could induce her to give me another response,--and came with that hope." "Which has failed ?" "Which has thus far failed that she will not at all see me; will hold no communication with me.