He reflected that Antonia would be the reward of his daring: he inflamed his imagination by enumerating her charms. He persuaded himself that (as Matilda had observed), he always should have time sufficient for repentance, and that as he employed

her assistance, not that of the daemons, the crime of sorcery could not be laid to his charge. He had read much respecting witchcraft: he understood that unless a formal act was signed renouncing his claim to salvation, Satan would have no power over him. He was fully determined not to execute any such act, whatever threats might be used, or advantages held out to him.