Chapter 53

Elmer and Gillian looked on each other as the clear-eyed deer in the forest look—thrilled, yet loveless. Thrilled in every nerve, trembling under the hand of the merciless one, they stood. And white, virginal, the landlady’s unlit candle stood. It was to remain unlit. Suddenly Elmer snatched the number of the room, swept Gillian into his arms, and went up the shallow stairs as if he had tasted the elixir of immortal youth. He had no remembrance of yesterday, no thought of to-morrow. An air, eager and sweet and madd…