Then--when his love and longing broke through his control--came her surrender.
Ah, when she was in his arms, why did he loose her?
Or, when she had unlocked the door, and the dim, grey light, like a pearly dawn at sea, stole downward from the crypt, why, like a fool, did he mount the steps alone, and leave her standing there?
Why did he not fling his cloak about her, and carry her up, whether she would or no?
"Why ?" cried the demon of despair in his soul.

"Ah, why!" But, even then, his own true heart made answer.

He had loosed her because he loved her too well to hold her to him when she had seemed to wish to stand free.

And he had gone alone, because never would he force a woman to come with him against her will.

His very strength was safeguard to her weakness.
Presently Hugh heard the Bishop folding the Prioress's letter.