I had come to like her dull, almost animal neighbourhood; her beauty and her stupidity soothed and amused me.

I began to find a kind of transcendental good sense in her remarks, and her unfathomable good nature moved me to admiration and envy.

The liking was returned; she enjoyed my presence half-unconsciously, as a man in deep meditation may enjoy the babbling of a brook.

I can scarce say she brightened when I came, for satisfaction was written on her face eternally, as on some foolish statue's; but I was made conscious of her pleasure by some more intimate communication than the sight.

And one day, as I set within reach of her on the marble step, she suddenly shot forth one of her hands and patted mine.