I'll show you the rough sketches--" "And after that ?" "I've one or two promises--" "And afterward ?" "Nothing." "You will never--see me--again.

Is that what 'nothing' means ?" They walked on in silence.

The path had now become palely illumined; the sound of the surf was very near.

Another step or two and they stood on the forest's edge.
A spectral ocean stretched away under the stars; ghostly rollers thundered along the sands.

North and south dunes glimmered; and the hot fragrance of sweet-bay mingled with the mounting savour of the sea.
She looked at the sea, the stars, blindly, lips apart, teeth closed, her arm still resting on his.
"Nothing," she repeated under her breath; "that was the best answer....
Don't touch my hand!...