How could the good God permit creatures made in His image to fall into such tribulations? To people this desert would be as impossible as to empty the sea.

For he beguiled the heavy-hearted folk into laughing, and what can avail against folk who laugh—who dare to laugh in the face of a winter like this one? … That winter it was he who saved people from insanity and the grave.

was like the north wind that sweeps the cloud banks from the heavens!

Was it not worth all the care and sorrow in the world to taste such bliss, she had often asked herself—but had been unable to answer.

There had been a power in his unflinching determination which had sent hot waves through her.

There was so little cheer out here; they all sorely needed to share whatever they found…

O God! how sorely she needed some one to be kind to her now!

His voice had the same unnatural, metallic hardness as his face; it seemed as if sparks flew when he spoke.

The thirst for adventure was burning in his blood.