Then she lifted it to its feet, and when they slipped from under it she raised her white face in wonder.

Again she lifted it, and made strange noises at its ear; but when it did not answer with its bleat her lips began to tremble.

Then she listened for its breathing, and felt for its breath; but when neither the one came to her ear, nor the other to her cheek, her own breath beat hot and fast.

At length she fondled it in her arms, and kissed it with her lips; and when it gave back no sign of motion nor any sound of voice, a wild labouring rose at her heart.

At last, when the power of life was low in it, the goat opened its heavy eyes upon her and put forth its tongue and licked her hand.