She uttered a half-stifled cry of fear, and started to her feet. "O Anthony! What is it? Are the soldiers drawing near?"
"No, my darling, no one is in sight."
"But what is it, then? Must I lose you? Must you go from hence?"
She threw herself on his breast and clung to him.
"Yes, Urith, I must go. You must be prepared to lose me."
"But I shall see you again—soon?"
"We shall certainly meet again."
She understood that he was no longer safe there, that he must fly further, and that she could not accompany him on his flight; but her heart could not reconcile itself to this conviction.
He spoke to her with great affection, he stroked her head, and kissed her, and bade her take courage and gather strength to endure what must be borne.
"But, Tony!—for how long?"