And then he turned upon himself with laughter, discovering a most wholesome power, barely to be suspected in him yet; but of all the children of glittering Mel and his solid mate, Evan was the best mixed compound of his parents.
He put the stick back in its corner and eyed his wrist, as if he had really just gone through the pretty scene he had just laughed at.

It was nigh upon reality, for it suggested the employment of a handkerchief, and he went to a place and drew forth one that had the stain of his blood on it, and the name of Rose at one end.

The beloved name was half-blotted by the dull-red mark, and at that sight a strange tenderness took hold of Evan.

His passions became dead and of old date.
This, then, would be his for ever! Love, for whom earth had been too small, crept exultingly into a nut-shell.

He clasped the treasure on his breast, and saw a life beyond his parting with her.
Strengthened thus, he wrote by the morning light to Laxley.