Sabina had seen all, and could not but give way, as Marie went on.
"I must have rest, I tell you! I am beginning--I can confess all to you--to want stimulants.

I am beginning to long for brandy and water--pah!--to nerve me up to the excitement of acting, and then for morphine to make me sleep after it.

The very eau de Cologne flask tempts me! They say that the fine ladies use it, before a ball, for other purposes than scent.

You would not like to see me commence that practice, would you ?" "There is no fear, dear." "There is fear! You do not know the craving for exhilaration, the capability of self-indulgence, in our wild Tropic blood.

Oh, Sabina, I feel at times that I could sink so low--that I could be so wicked, so utterly wicked, if I once began! Take me away, dearest creature, take me away, and let me have fresh air, and fair quiet scenes, and rest--rest--oh, save me, Sabina!" and she put her hands over her face, and burst into tears.
"We will go, then: to the Rhine, shall it be?
I have not been there now for these three years, and it will be such fun running about the world by myself once more, and knowing all the while that--" and Sabina stopped; she did not like to remind Marie of the painful contrast between them.
"To the Rhine?
Yes.