The man and woman left behind, as they stood _vis-a-vis_, presented a
striking appearance. Such a pair in juxtaposition were a sight not
often given to the eye. He some inches the taller--though well matched
as regarded the distinction of the sexes; but both of towering stature,
with air so commanding that one, who could have seen them there and
then, would not have given a thought to the coarseness of their apparel,
or, if so, instantly forgetting it. Looking at their faces, in their
eyes as they met in mutual gaze, he would have noticed something of a
nature to interest more than any quality or fashion of dress--the light
of love. For they loved one another warmly, and, perhaps, as purely and
tenderly, as if their hearts had been beating under robes of silk.
No words of love passed between them now. If they intended speaking
such, they held them in reserve till matters more pressing should be
disposed of.