It seemed that he had never really lived till this moment; never, at least, comprehended the bliss afforded by existence in the companionship of a being able to awaken the transports he now experienced.

A new world seemed suddenly opened to him, full of love, hope, sunshine, of which he and Aveline were the sole inhabitants.

Hitherto his life had been devoid of any great emotion.

The one feeling latterly pervading it had been a sense of deep wrong, coupled with the thirst of vengeance.

No tenderer influence had softened his almost rugged nature; and his breast continued arid as the desert.