But that the thing is done I cannot truly repent; the only thing which would make me wish that vow unsaid would be if Culverhouse were to wish to be free of his troth plight." "Which I trow he never will be," answered Philip warmly, as he laid his hand on Kate's shoulder.
Those two were very near akin in spirit and in sympathy.

Kate knew all his love for Petronella, and his anxiety for her since her flight (though he fully believed her to be in hiding with Cuthbert in the forest, albeit he had not been able to discover them), and he had strong fellow feeling with the impulsive lovers.
"He has never loved any but thee, my sister, since the days we played together as children.

Save that concealment ever leads to trouble, and that wedlock vows are too sacred to be made playthings of, I could find it in my heart to wish that Petronella and I were wed in like fashion.

But our mother is sorely grieved at what thou hast done--going before a tonsured priest, with none of thine own kindred by, to take vows which should have had the sanction of thy parents before they passed thy lips, and should have been made in different fashion and in a different place.

Howbeit no doubt time will soften her anger, and she will grow reconciled to the thought.
When we have made all inquiries anent this priest and his ways, my father and I will to London to speak with Lord Andover of this business.