When I am away from you I can see you--see the way your hair clusters in soft little curls at your forehead, the long lashes sweeping your cheek, the--the trick your eyes have of turning from grey to violet--oh, I know your face by heart, and I _love_ it for its beauty; but if you were to lose it all, if you were not the loveliest creature God had ever made, it would make no difference.

You would still be _you_: and it is you I want.

Ida--give yourself to me--trust me! Oh, dearest, you don't know what love is! Let me teach you!" Once again he got hold of her hand; and she let it remain in his grasp; but her quiescence did not mean yielding, and he knew it.
"No," she said, with a deep breath.

"It is true that I do not know.

And I am--afraid." A wan little smile that was more piteous than tears curved her lips: for "afraid" seemed strange coming from her, the fearless child of the hills and dales.