He had eyes dark as night, set under a broad forehead, about which wavy masses of tawny hair fell gracefully.
His stately form was erect and firm as a statue.

For a moment his eyes looked into mine; then he advanced and took my hand.

Tenderly he pressed it to his lips, stepping back as he did so and looking at me with a half-curious, half-amused expression.

I was so startled by the unexpected appearance of this remarkable figure that I had not, until now, noticed that a large lion had followed him into the room and was lying quietly at his feet.

I was not afraid; indeed, the king of beasts seemed but a part of the man's masterful presence.