But She spoke to me and cast him out, and she bade me repent." "And do penance," I said, kissing her till she laughed again, saying that I was a hard confessor, and that the Maid had spoken no word of penances.
"Yet one I must do and suffer," she said, "and it is more difficult to me than these austerities of thine." Here her face grew very red, and she hid it with her hands.
"What mean you ?" I asked, wondering.
"I must see her, and thank her for all her kindness to thee." "The Maid ?" I asked.
"Nay, that other, thy--fair nurse.

Nay, forbid me not, I have sworn it to myself, and I must go.

And the Maiden told me, when I spoke of it, that it was no more than right." Then she threw her arms about me again, in the closest embrace, and hid her head.

Now, this resolve of hers gave me no little cause of apprehension, as not knowing well how things might pass in such an encounter of two ladies.

But even then one touched me on the shoulder from behind, and the Maid herself stood beside us.
"O joy!" she said, "my peacemaking has been blessed! Go, you foolish folk, and sin no more, and peace and happiness be with you, long years, and glad children at your knees.