What a pale, cold little child she used to be! such a child! yet kindling at his look or touch, as if her veins were filled with subtile flame.

Her soul was--like his own, he thought.

He knew what it was,--he only.

Even now he glowed with a man's triumph to know he held the secret life of this woman bare in his hand.

No other human power could ever come near her; he was secure in possession.