"
The eyes that gazed at him glowed with maenad-like desire, and
bending suddenly she covered his hand with lingering, burning
kisses,
Wilhelm passed his hand soothingly over the masses of her silky
hair, and it flashed across him how much he had once wished to be
able to do so, and now his wish was fulfilled. Was fulfilled desire
really happiness, as this beautiful woman asserted? His heart beat
loud and fast; he was conscious of emotions long unfelt, and--yes,
these emotions were pleasant ones.
He moved as if to rise, but she clung to his arm to hold him back.
He pointed to the door of the room from which Anne might appear at
any moment.
"Do have a little more pride of spirit," said the countess; "one
does what one likes, without caring what the servants think."
"Let me go," he entreated, and stroked her beautiful hair.
"Why?"
"It is late, and the air in here is close. I should like to take a
turn by the sea. Please--"
She looked at him, and a mysterious smile played about her full
lips; she dropped his arm.
He hastened away toward the shore, where the waves were rolling in,
rattling the pebbles and striking the cliff with dull, heavy thuds.
The August night was mild and full of stars, and there was scarcely
a breath of wind.
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