"But you must escape!" she gasped. The knocking at the door was like to splinter the panels. "There may yet be time.... The militaires are coming! Be quick!"
He shook his head.
"It will not do, little one," he answered. "Useless. I should only be run down by black trackers. No. For me, it is finished.... But I am quite content."
"If you are taken it means death! ... And mine!"
"No. Not that either. You owe me, perhaps, one promise."
"Anything you want of me!"
"I bind you to it!"
"Anything you want me to say!"
"Then you will not die: and you will save yourself from worse than death the only way still open.... These good sisters are waiting here for you. Do you understand?"
"I understand!" she sobbed, through her weeping. "I am yours.... I promise!... Only kiss me once!"