Melvin G. Winstock

“ As the preacher passed from her, Paul returned, looking dark and gloomy.
"There is your ice, Ouida," said Paul, striving to control himself. "Would that my heart were like it, so that you might devour it. I do not like that man."
"Why, Paul?"
"He comes too often to you. Nay, do not deny it. He loves you, but you do not love him," he fiercely said. ”

“ The preacher looked ashamed of himself, but Paul, now thoroughly aroused, was almost bursting with defiance; but Ouida had him absolutely under control, and when she commanded him with decisive voice to bring her an ice, he went, submissive like a dog.
"And you, sir," turning to the preacher, "what right have you to give way to vulgar differences with Paul?"
"I have no excuse to offer, save my adoration of yourself," said he, humbly.
"Why vex your soul?" said she filling up with wondrous pity for the man. "Your torment of yourself is useless. ”

“ Among the guests were Horatio Nugent and Paul Strogoff, each madly, devotedly and passionately, at a distance, watching the Goddess, at whose shrine they worshiped. The preacher, in a rage of despair; Paul, in secret consciousness of his advantage over all others, despite appearances. Each held his secret well before the world, but in the breast of each was a raging volcano, liable to burst forth at any minute. ”