greyhound, yet so marvelously transparent was the mountain air, that I
distinctly recognized Yoletta in the rider. I started up, and sprang
joyfully onto my own horse, and waving my hand to attract her attention,
galloped recklessly down the slope; but when I reached the opposing
summit she was no longer there, nor anywhere in sight, and it was as if
the earth had opened and swallowed her.






Chapter 15

During Yoletta's seclusion, my education was not allowed to suffer, her
place as instructress having been taken by Edra. I was pleased with this
arrangement, thinking to derive some benefit from it, beyond what she
might teach me; but very soon I was forced to abandon all hope of
communicating with the imprisoned girl through her friend and jailer.
Edra was much disturbed at the suggestion; for I did venture to suggest
it, though in a tentative, roundabout form, not feeling sure of my
ground: previous mistakes had made me cautious. Her manner was a
sufficient warning; and I did not broach the subject a second time. One
afternoon, however, I met with a great and unexpected consolation,
though even this was mixed with some perplexing matters.

One day, after looking long and earnestly into my face, said my gentle
teacher to me; "Do you know that you are changed? All your gay spirits
have left you, and you are pale and thin and sad. Why is this?"