But pray don't extract amusement from my harmless remarks.
Such as they are I mean them.' She stopped him by changing the subject, for they had entered an octagonal chamber on the first floor, presumably full of pictures and curiosities; but the shutters were closed, and only stray beams of light gleamed in to suggest what was there.
'Can't somebody open the windows ?' said Paula.
'The attendant is about to do it,' said her uncle; and as he spoke the shutters to the east were flung back, and one of the loveliest views in the forest disclosed itself outside.
Some of them stepped out upon the balcony.

The river lay along the bottom of the valley, irradiated with a silver shine.

Little rafts of pinewood floated on its surface like tiny splinters, the men who steered them not appearing larger than ants.
Paula stood on the balcony, looking for a few minutes upon the sight, and then came into the shadowy room, where De Stancy had remained.

While the rest were still outside she resumed: 'You must not suppose that I shrink from the subject you so persistently bring before me.

I respect deep affection--you know I do; but for me to say that I have any such for you, of the particular sort you only will be satisfied with, would be absurd.