Was fulfilled desire really happiness, as this beautiful woman asserted?
His heart beat loud and fast; he was conscious of emotions long unfelt, and--yes, these emotions were pleasant ones.
He moved as if to rise, but she clung to his arm to hold him back.

He pointed to the door of the room from which Anne might appear at any moment.
"Do have a little more pride of spirit," said the countess; "one does what one likes, without caring what the servants think." "Let me go," he entreated, and stroked her beautiful hair.
"Why ?" "It is late, and the air in here is close.

I should like to take a turn by the sea.

Please--" She looked at him, and a mysterious smile played about her full lips; she dropped his arm.
He hastened away toward the shore, where the waves were rolling in, rattling the pebbles and striking the cliff with dull, heavy thuds.

The August night was mild and full of stars, and there was scarcely a breath of wind.