"But how can I help it? I do love you. What can prevent me?"
Isoult coloured.
"Love itself can prevent you, Vincent."
"Oh! you are right, you are wise, you are very holy. I have never thought of such things as that. And is that true love?"
"Love should kill love, if need were."
"Love shall," said Vincent in a whisper. Whereupon Isoult smiled on him.
They fell to chatting again, discussing possibilities, or facts, which were safer ground. Isoult heard the stroke of ten. Presently after, the page-in-waiting sang out a challenge. A shuffling step stopped, a cracked voice asked for Messire Prosper le Gai.
"Maulfry!" said Vincent with a shiver.
"Hush!"
"It is late to see Messire," said the page.