He knew not that the devil sat from the first day of creation on Eden wall, that human sin is all but as eternal as human good, and that passion rises out of its own ashes like the phoenix bird of fable and stands again all beautiful before us, a creature of fire and dew.
Presently the lady rose to her feet, and gave the Earl her hand to lead her to a couch.
"Set a footstool by me," she bade him, "I desire to talk to you." "You know not my name," she said, after a pause that was like a caress, "though I know yours.

But then the sun in mid-heaven cannot be hidden, though nameless bide the thousand stars.

Shall I tell you mine?
It is a secret; nevertheless, I will tell you if such be your desire." "I care not whether you tell me or no," he answered, looking up into her face from the low seat at her feet.

"Birth cannot add to your beauty, nor sparse quarterings detract from your charm.

I have enough of both, good lack! And little good they are like to do me." "Shall I tell you now," she went on, "or will you wait till you convoy me to Edinburgh ?" "To Edinburgh!" cried the young man, greatly astonished.