But I'm not an old maid," she added quickly.

"I should have been, though, but for my master.

I should never have suited any man but Professor Crimsworth--no other gentleman, French, English, or Belgian, would have thought me amiable or handsome; and I doubt whether I should have cared for the approbation of many others, if I could have obtained it.

Now, I have been Professor Crimsworth's wife eight years, and what is he in my eyes?
Is he honourable, beloved -- -- ?" She stopped, her voice was cut off, her eyes suddenly suffused.

She and I were standing side by side; she threw her arms round me, and strained me to her heart with passionate earnestness: the energy of her whole being glowed in her dark and then dilated eye, and crimsoned her animated cheek; her look and movement were like inspiration; in one there was such a flash, in the other such a power.
Half an hour afterwards, when she had become calm, I asked where all that wild vigour was gone which had transformed her ere-while and made her glance so thrilling and ardent--her action so rapid and strong.