is all too good to be true. It will fold up in a minute and move
away for the next act, and that will be full of tragedy, with an
ugly background."

The heights still invited. She rose, and wandered on and up. Her
step had the quick movement of a dweller in cities, not the slow
pace of those who linger along country roads, keeping step with
nature. In the cut and fashion of her gown was evinced a
sophistication, and a high seriousness, possibly not her own.

She watched the deep imprint that her footsteps made in the soft
grass.

"I'm half afraid to step on the earth here," she murmured to
herself. "It seems to be quivering with old life."

The sun hung lower in the west. Of its level golden beams were
born a thousand shades of color on the heights and in the hollows
of the hills. Over all the great Campagna blue, yellow, and
purple blended in an autumn haze.

"Oh!" cried the girl, throwing out her arms to take in the new
sense of life that came flooding in upon her. "I cannot take it
in. It is too great."


As she climbed, a strength springing from sheer delight in the
wide beauty before her came into her face.

"It was selfish, and I am going to take it back. To-night I will