In the moment of recognition all the despondency had vanished so utterly that it had not left even a memory.

He had brought not only peace, but youth and happiness back to her eyes.
He came in as impressively as he presented himself to an audience; and with the glow of pleasure still in her heart, she found her keen and observant mind watching him almost as if he were a stranger.

This had been her misfortune always, the ardent heart joined to the critical judgment, the spectator chained eternally to the protagonist.

She received a swift impression that he had prepared his words and even his gestures, the kiss on her fingers.

Yet, in spite of this suggestion of the actor, or because of it, he possessed, she felt, great distinction.
The straight backward sweep of his hair; the sharp clearness of his profile; the steady serenity of his gray eyes; the ease and suppleness and indolent strength of his tall thin figure--all these physical details expressed the reserves and inhibitions of generations.