Bring her back to you! Is that the way of God?
I thought you were a man; this is the talk of a weak-minded girl." Vanamee stirred abruptly in his place, drawing a long breath and looking about him vaguely, as if he came to himself.
"You are right," he muttered.

"I hardly know what I am saying at times.
But there are moments when my whole mind and soul seem to rise up in rebellion against what has happened; when it seems to me that I am stronger than death, and that if I only knew how to use the strength of my will, concentrate my power of thought--volition--that I could--I don't know--not call her back--but--something----" "A diseased and distorted mind is capable of hallucinations, if that is what you mean," observed Sarria.
"Perhaps that is what I mean.

Perhaps I want only the delusion, after all." Sarria did not reply, and there was a long silence.

In the damp south corners of the walls a frog began to croak at exact intervals.

The little fountain rippled monotonously, and a magnolia flower dropped from one of the trees, falling straight as a plummet through the motionless air, and settling upon the gravelled walk with a faint rustling sound.
Otherwise the stillness was profound.
A little later, the priest's cigar, long since out, slipped from his fingers to the ground.