Even though Kate should fail and should come out of the contest with a scorched heart,--and that he had thought more than probable,--still the prize was very high and the girl he thought was one who could survive such a blow.
Latterly, in that respect he had changed his opinion.

Kate had shewn herself to be capable of so deep a passion that he was now sure that she would be more than scorched should the fire be one to injure and not to cherish her.

But the man's promises had been so firm, so often reiterated, were so clearly written, that the priest had almost dared to hope that the thing was assured.

Now, alas, he perceived that the embryo English lord was already looking for a means of escape, and already thought that he had found it in this unfortunate return of the father.
The whole extent of the sorrow even the priest did not know.

But he was determined to fight the battle to the very last.