But the idea had fast grip, and directly held him still and cold.

She was sixteen.
He knew it well.

On the last natal day he had gone with her to the shipyard where there was a launch, and the yellow flag which the galley bore to its bridal with the waves had on it "Esther;" so they celebrated the day together.

Yet the fact struck him now with the force of a surprise.

There are realizations which come to us all painfully; mostly, however, such as pertain to ourselves; that we are growing old, for instance; and, more terrible, that we must die.