the bars of a cage at some wild
beast confined within it.

It is impossible to describe her attitude and the expression of her
face, at that moment. Horror, repulsion, contempt, loathing, even
hatred, were depicted there. I recognized the fact with shuddering
despair. I was that one thing which she most despised.

It is strange how the light of the world went out, for me. In realizing
the great calamity that had fallen upon me, I forgot all else; but
strangely enough I did not once think of appealing to her. Slowly I
turned away, and with slow strides approached the door which would
admit me to the corridor, and so permit me to pass from the house to
the street.

I reached it; I drew it open. I did not turn my head to look at her
again, lest I should become unmanned, and degrade myself by pleading
with her for the impossible. I passed into the hallway and pulled the
door shut behind me, and then, somehow, I got as far as the balustrade,
which, by following it, would lead me to the bottom of the stairs at
the house entrance.

My foot was upon the first step of the stairs when I heard rushing
footsteps behind me, and instantly was caught by clinging arms around
my neck, and I felt her hot and quick breath upon my cheek.

She did not speak; she only clung to me. I did not speak; but I turned
about with restored strength, and with my spirit renewed. I seized her
in my arms. I crushed her against me, violently. I raised her from her
feet, holding her as if she had been a child, and then, bearing her
with me, I strode backward through the doorway, and into the room I had
just left. I carried her to the divan, and I seated her upon the edge
of it, still retaining my grasp upon her; and I said:

"Zara, you are mine. Nothing short of death shall take you from me. In
the last few moments I have experienced all the horrors of a separation
from you. A little while ago you loved me. Only a few moments ago, we
were all there was in creation. For a moment which has seemed an
eternity, I believed that I had lost you, but when you followed me to
the landing of the stairway, I knew that I had not lost you, even for
that instant. You love me, Zara, and you shall be mine. Before God, you
shall be!"

For a moment I thought she intended to struggle again, to escape me.
Indeed, I was certain that she was on the point of doing so, and I
tightened my grasp upon her while I dropped upon one knee, and added:

"Zara, let me hear you say