I had heard men speak of perils worse than death that may beset weak and helpless women alone in the world.

I knew not if I might find thee as I hoped.

I could not but fear that some mischance might keep us sundered.

I thought of my father's cruel wrath should he discover my flight, and pursue and overtake.

It seemed to me, standing in the darkness of the old Gate House, that it would be better to perish than to be dragged thither again to die of misery and harsh captivity.