"There is matter of sorrow and lofty consolation strangely mingled in your words." "Only this, dear Miriam," said the sculptor; "if ever in your lives the highest duty should require from either of you the sacrifice of the other, meet the occasion without shrinking.

This is all." While Kenyon spoke, Donatello had evidently taken in the ideas which he propounded, and had ennobled them by the sincerity of his reception.
His aspect unconsciously assumed a dignity, which, elevating his former beauty, accorded with the change that had long been taking place in his interior self.

He was a man, revolving grave and deep thoughts in his breast.

He still held Miriam's hand; and there they stood, the beautiful man, the beautiful woman, united forever, as they felt, in the presence of these thousand eye-witnesses, who gazed so curiously at the unintelligible scene.

Doubtless the crowd recognized them as lovers, and fancied this a betrothal that was destined to result in lifelong happiness.