“Never trouble, dear, you are my joy in Winchester.”
“And why this old nun’s habit?”
“I am going to leave you, child.”
Lilith clutched at her with both hands, her face suddenly white and almost piteous.
“Oh, no, no, Igraine!”
“I must, dear.”
“Forgive—”
“It is not that alone. I cannot rest here longer. Gorlois and the city have crushed the heart out of me.”
Lilith lifted up her child’s face to her, and then began to sob unrestrained on Igraine’s bosom.
“It seems cruel,” she whimpered.