Then she made it clear to the good lady that she was not
to be left alone for an instant to confront the welcome besieger. And
so it was that when Robin and Bedelia walked or rode together, they
were attended by prevention. In the Casino, at the gaming tables, at
the concert, or even in the street he was never free to express a
thought or emotion that, under less guarded conditions, might have
exposed her to the risk she was so carefully avoiding.
He understood the situation perfectly and was not resentful. He
appreciated the caution with which she was carrying on her own
campaign, and he was not unmindful of the benefits that might also
accrue to him through this proscribed period of reflection. While he
was sure of himself by this time, and fully determined to risk even
his crown for the girl who so calmly held him at bay, he was also
sensible of the wisdom of her course. She was not willing to subject
herself or him to the dangers of temptation. As she had said, there
was a great deal at stake; the rest of their lives, in truth.
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