But I ask thy mercy for the heart of a woman!" She heard the sob in his throat, as he knelt and lifted the hem of her robe to his lips.
Then his step across the floor.
Then the ring of horses' hoofs upon the paving stones.
She was trembling from head to foot, yet she rose and went to the window overlooking the courtyard.
Mark was shutting the gates.

Beaumont held a neglected stirrup cup, and laughed as he drained it himself.

Zachary, stout and pompous, was mounting the steps.
Hugh, her husband--Hugh, faithful beyond belief--Hugh, her dear Knight of the Silver Shield--had ridden off alone, to the home to which he so greatly longed to take her; alone, with his hopeless love, his hungry heart, and his untarnished honour.
Turning from the window she gathered up the habit of her Order and, clasping her cross of office, mounted to her bedchamber, there to face out in solitude the hard question of the second issue..