For if he achieves his desire, even though he serve his seven years, surely for him life will be robbed of half its evil.

But if he lose her, either through misfortune or because he gave all this to one who did not understand the gift, or one who looked at love and on herself as a currency wherewith to buy her place and the luxury of days, then he will be of all men among the most miserable.

For nothing can give him back that which has gone from him.
Eustace had never seen Augusta but twice in his life; but then passion does not necessarily depend upon constant previous intercourse with its object.

Love at first sight is common enough, and in this instance Eustace was not altogether dependent upon the spoken words of his adored, or on his recollection of her very palpable beauty.

For he had her books.