He was old enough to strangle his impulses, if necessary, or any of the brood less fiery than the junction of his passions.

'Well, well!--but we might so soon have broken through the hedge into the broad highroad! It is but to determine to do it--to take the bold short path instead of the wearisome circuit.

Just a little lightning in the brain and tightening of the heart.

Battles are won in that way: not by tender girls! and she is a girl, and the task is too much for her.

So, then, we are in your hands, child! Adieu, and let the gold-crested serpent glide to her bed, and sleep, dream, and wake, and ask herself in the morning whether she is not a wedded soul.