.

A SWEET CONSOLER.
She passed her arm about him and pressed him to her, and with arms entwined they entered the study.
"How glad I am!" she said.

"What a good idea I had!" With a quick movement she took off her long gray cloak that enveloped her from head to foot.
"And are you glad ?" she asked, as she stood looking at him.
"Can you ask that ?" "Only to hear you say that you are." "Are you not my only joy, the sweet lamp that gives me light in the cavern where I work day and night ?" "Dear Victor!" She was a tall, slender young woman with chestnut hair, whose thick curls clustering about her forehead almost touched her eyebrows.

Her beautiful eyes were dark, her nose short, while her superb teeth and rich, ruby-colored lips gave her the effect of a pretty doll; and she had gayety, playful vivacity, gracious effrontery, and a passionate caressing glance.

Dressed extravagantly, like the Parisian woman who has not a sou, but who adorns everything she wears, she had an ease, a freedom, a natural elegance that was charming.