But the freshness, the vividness of these girls seemed exhilarating.

The murmur, the merriment touched a forgotten chord in Lane's heart.

For a moment it seemed sweet to be there, once more in a gathering where pleasure was the pursuit.

It breathed of what seemed long ago, in a past that was infinitely more precious to remember because he had no future of hope or of ambition or dream.

Something had happened to him that now made the sensations of the moment stingingly bitter-sweet.