These shocks were too much for her nerves.

But her lover restrained her, saying, with a covert chiding in his voice, "Stay, Irene! There is a wild delight in all this, and are you not brave enough to share it with me ?" But she struggled to release herself from his arm, replying with a shade of impatience-- "Let me go, Hartley! Let me go!" The flexed arm was instantly relaxed, and the maiden was free.

She went back, hastily, from the window, and, sitting down on a sofa, buried her face in her hands.

The young man did not follow her, but remained standing by the window, gazing out upon Nature in her strong convulsion.

It may, however, be doubted whether his mind took note of the wild images that were pictured in his eyes.