Lilith lifted up her child's face to her, and then began to sob unrestrained on Igraine's bosom. "It seems cruel," she whimpered. "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." "A convent--but you hate the life." "If I could only hear of Uther, I would--" "Yes, yes, I know. But will you go, Igraine?" "My mind is made up; nothing can change it." "Then let me come with you." Igraine kissed her, but shook her head at the suggestion. "I love you for the wish, dear, but I could never drag you into my own troubles, and it would be very wrong to Radamanth." That afternoon they had many words together in Igraine's room, and dusk caught them still talking. Igraine had made Lilith promise that Radamanth should know nothing of her flight till the following morning. Lilith proved a little obstinate at first, but yielded in the end for fear of grieving Igraine. With the dusk she crept downstairs and brought up food. Igraine made a meal, while Lilith, with her tears still falling, put up food and a few trifles into a bundle, slipping in all the little store of money she had. Then she ran softly downstairs to see if the way were clear. Radamanth had gone to supper with a merchant friend, and the house seemed quiet and very lonely. In the passage-way the two girls took leave of each other, Lilith clinging to Igraine for a moment with all her heart. With sad eyes Igraine left her, and went out into the night. VI