She drew back proudly.
"You have had my message?"
"I take no messages—certainly none sent through parsons. The dove is the carrier between lovers, and not the croaking raven."
"Perhaps it is as well," said Urith, coldly. She had nerved herself to play her part, but her heart was bounding and beating against her sides like the Tavy in one of its granite pools beneath a cataract. "I sent by Master Luke Cleverdon to let you know that we must see each other no more."
"I will take no such message. I will—I must see you. I cannot live without."
"My mother's wishes must be followed. I have promised to see and speak to you no more."
"You promised! To whom? To her?"
Urith was silent.
"I will know who twisted this promise out of you. Was it Luke? If so his cassock and our cousinship shall not save him."
"It was not Luke."