The air was charged with a lurid exhalation that blurred the extensive view.

He could see the distant Rhine at its junction with the Neckar, shining like a thread of blood through the mist which was gradually wrapping up the declining sun.

The scene had in it something that was more than melancholy, and not much less than tragic; but for De Stancy such evening effects possessed little meaning.

He was engaged in an enterprise that taxed all his resources, and had no sentiments to spare for air, earth, or skies.
'Remarkable scene,' said Power, mildly, at his elbow.
'Yes; I dare say it is,' said De Stancy.

'Time has been when I should have held forth upon such a prospect, and wondered if its livid colours shadowed out my own life, et caetera, et caetera.