True, she seemed to see some species of barrier between us—I knew not what it could be, but was possessed of a lusty determination to beat it down.
Nothing on earth should sever us—the old love had sprung up again in my heart, only many times more fierce, and purified by the fire through which it had passed.
How I had deceived myself all these years, sneering at womankind, and endeavoring to convince myself they were one and all of the same frivolous species.
Now that the mask had been dropped, and I could see things as they were, what a mockery this whole affair appeared, and how penitently I admitted to myself that it was not true.
Paradise may rest within a pair of laughing blue eyes, when lighted by the holy fires of love.
Yes, I slept, and my dreams were sweeter than for many a long night.
It matters not of what they consisted—those who have found their destiny wrapped up in the life of a woman may easily guess.
I had not endeavored to lay out any elaborate plan of campaign—she must be on board the yacht for some days, if not weeks, and I was confident of my ability to plead my cause in that time so successfully that capitulation and peace must follow.
Perhaps it was just as well; since, after all, I was to have the manipulation of affairs taken almost wholly out of my hands.
When I awoke it was with a start.