“No, no, it is best for me after all.”
“But where will you go, Igraine?”
“Heaven knows, dear. I cannot rest here longer after this morning. I feel as if I should stifle.”
“Don’t go, Igraine.”
“Hush, dear, don’t weaken me. I am hard put as it is.”
They were both weeping now. Lilith’s slim body shook as she lifted up her face to Igraine’s, and looked at her through her tears. She had learnt to love Igraine, and jealousy of her tall and splendid kinswoman had had no place in her heart. Lilith possessed to perfection the power of sympathy, and being a simple little soul who lived wholly for the present, she perhaps felt the more for that very reason. She could not say evil enough of Gorlois, nor put too much kindness into her kisses as she sat with her head on Igraine’s shoulder.
“You cannot go out alone in the world,” she said presently.
Igraine was silent.
“I know father would never forgive himself.”
“There are convents, child. They would guard and give me harbour for a time.”