The sun slipped behind a cloud, and a grey shadow spread like a blight over the summer sea.

It lay leaden and dull, tufted with little white crests of foam.
The man and woman stood side by side, motionless, unresponsive.

It was as though a sword had suddenly descended, cleaving them asunder.
Presently she heard him mutter in a low tone of anguish:-- "So this--this, too--must be added to the price!" The pain in his voice pulled at her heart.

She stretched out her hands towards him.
"Max! Give me time!" He wheeled round, and the tense look of misery in his face hurt her almost physically.
"What do you mean ?" he asked hoarsely.
"I must have time to think.

Husband and wife ought to be one.
What--what happiness can there be if.