These and those lines, gracious, compelling,--this and that color, enchanting, alluring, so much white flesh, thus much crown of tresses--they have for ages served to rob men of reason.
They have not changed.

What this man could not realize was that there may be changes not of color and of curve.
Not so long as all this they gazed at each other, measured, took ground, gaging each the adversary opposite.
"Do not go!" he almost commanded.

She was half way to the door.
"Why not, sir ?" She wheeled on him fiercely.
"Because,--at least, you would not be so cruel--" "I thank you, but I am leaving the boat at the first opportunity.
It is impossible for us to continue an acquaintance formed thus irregularly." "On the contrary, my dear!" The ring in his voice terrified her, but his terms angered her yet more.
"I do not in the least understand you, sir! I am accustomed to do quite as I like.

And you may address me as the Countess St.Auban." "Why should we talk of this ?" he retorted.

"Why talk to me of countesses?
To me you are something better as you stand,--the most beautiful girl, the most splendid human being, I ever saw in all my life.