Page:"A modern Hercules", the tale of a sculptress (IA amodernherculest00wins).pdf/61

Rh secret passion, his story would have been discovered by the hungry, famished look of his eye, which followed the sculptress and her every movement. Strange to relate, Paul exhibited more control over himself.

Fate threw these two strongly-contrasted characters together, the flint and the steel. Horatio Nugent plunged at Paul boldly and fiercely, saying: "I would study you."

"Why?" asked Paul.

"Because you hold a secret power I would give my life to know."

"And that is?"

"The power of winning her regard."

"I would not yield it up for a thousand lives, mine included," said Paul.

"So you are a victim, too?" said the preacher.

"Nay, not a victim," proudly said Paul.

"She loves you?" said the preacher, eagerly.

"I did not say so."

"And yet I think my words are true."

"Your opinions do not concern me," said Paul.

"They may," said Horatio Nugent, throwing discretion to the winds, "for I love her, too, and if you stand in my waywellit will do you no good."

"You are like the rest of your kindboastful," said Paul, conscious of his own power, "but in me there is no fear."

"Do not, I pray you, urge me beyond control," said the preacher, "or you will be made to feel there is something beyond mere brute force."

"This masterly tone," said Paul, "must cease. I have no liking for you, sir; you hang about the lady's skirts too much."