'Provided always that the metaphor be not like the metaphysician's treatise on Nature: a torch to see the sunrise!—You were going to add?'
'I was going to say, I think I understand, but you run away with me still.'
'May the sensation never quit you!'
'It will not.'
'What a night !' Alvan raised his head: 'A night cast for our first meeting and betrothing! You are near home?'
'The third house yonder in the moonlight.'
'The moonlight lays a white hand on it!'
'That is my window sparkling.'
'That is the vestal's cresset. Shall I blow it out?'
'You are too far. And it is a celestial flame, sir!'