And yet, what more despicable crime had they ever encountered in the long line of their duty.

The youth and innocence of the real victim and the worth of the intended one only added to its wickedness and shame.

It was this thought which again steeled their hearts.
Meantime the two upon whom they now redirected their attention had attempted no further speech and made no further move.

She had said No to something he was willing to concede, and he had accepted that no as final.

Had this brought him any relief?
Possibly.