A cloud was in the horizon of his mind, dimming its heavenly azure.

And the maiden's sky was shadowed also.
For two or three minutes the young man stood by the window, looking out at the writhing trees and the rain pouring down an avalanche of water, and then, with a movement that indicated a struggle and a conquest, turned and walked toward the sofa on which the maiden still sat with her face hidden from view.

Sitting down beside her, he took her hand.

It lay passive in his.

He pressed it gently; but she gave back no returning pressure.