He will escape, I hope, out of a morbid life, and find his way into a healthy one." "And what is to be my part in this process ?" inquired Miriam sadly, and not without jealousy.

"You are taking him from me, and putting yourself, and all manner of living interests, into the place which I ought to fill!" "It would rejoice me, Miriam, to yield the entire responsibility of this office to yourself," answered the sculptor.

"I do not pretend to be the guide and counsellor whom Donatello needs; for, to mention no other obstacle, I am a man, and between man and man there is always an insuperable gulf.

They can never quite grasp each other's hands; and therefore man never derives any intimate help, any heart sustenance, from his brother man, but from woman--his mother, his sister, or his wife.

Be Donatello's friend at need, therefore, and most gladly will I resign him!" "It is not kind to taunt me thus," said Miriam.