A hush was over everything when Paul first awoke--the hush of a hot, drowsy
noontide.
He stretched out his arm to touch his loved one, as was his custom, to draw
her near and envelop her with caresses and greeting--an instinct which came
to him while yet half asleep.
But his arm met empty space. What was this? He opened his eyes wide and sat
up in bed. He was alone--where had she gone? He had slept so late, that was
it. She was playing one of her sweet tricks upon him. Perhaps she was even
hiding behind the curtain which covered the entrance to the side loggia
where they were accustomed to breakfast. He would look and see. He rose
quickly and lifted the heavy drapery. No--the loggia was untenanted, and
breakfast was laid for one! That was the first chill--for one! Was she
angry
