The thirst for adventure was burning in his blood.

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

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

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.

This formless prairie had no heart that beat, no waves that sang, no soul that could be touched … or cared… .

Out on the sky line the huge plain now began to swell and rise, almost as if an abscess were forming under the skin of the earth.

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.

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

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