For it was true that he loved her, and that he had access to the house; and if the plan suggested seemed unusual, if it was not the course most obvious or most natural, it was hardly for him to cavil at a scheme which promised to save her, not only from the evil influence which mysteriously swayed her, but from the law, and the danger of an accusation of witchcraft.

Apart from his promise he would have chosen this course; as it had been his first impulse to pursue it the evening before.

But now he had given his word to her that he would not interfere, and he was conscious that he understood but in part how she stood.

That being so---- "A coward!" the Syndic repeated, savagely and coarsely.

He had waited in intolerable suspense for the other's answer.