When they parted in that same squalid hut at midnight, he took with him the intoxication of her kiss.

Yet he scarce brought himself to believe that the night's happenings were real, or that they two would ever meet again on earth.

And now, here was Iris quivering against his breast.

He could feel the beating of her heart.

The perfume of her hair was as incense in his nostrils.