Had she abandoned hope, it would have been natural.
But the girl was of a spirit not long nor easily cowed; and Tavannes had not left her half an hour before the reflection, that so far the honours of the day were hers, rose up to console her.

In spite of his power and her impotence, she had imposed her will upon his; she had established an influence over him, she had discovered a scruple which stayed him, and a limit beyond which he would not pass.

In the result she might escape; for the conditions which he had accepted with an ill grace might prove beyond his fulfilling.

She might escape! True, many in her place would have feared a worse fate and harsher handling.

But there lay half the merit of her victory.