The silence of the night, the infinite repose of the flat, bare earth--two immensities--widened around and above him like illimitable seas.

A grey half-light, mysterious, grave, flooded downward from the stars.
Annixter was in torment.

Now, there could be no longer any doubt--now it was Hilma or nothing.

Once out of his reach, once lost to him, and the recollection of her assailed him with unconquerable vehemence.

Much as she had occupied his mind, he had never realised till now how vast had been the place she had filled in his life.