I leaned above him there, yet could not kill—

Hate raised the dagger but love held it still.

XXXI

"The woman in me conquered. What a slave

To our emotions are we! To relent

At this long-waited moment!—Wave on wave

Of pitying weakness swept me, and I bent—

And kissed his face. Then prayed to God; and gave

My trust to God; and left to God th' event.—

I never looked on Rupert's face again,