The End of the World: A Love Story

ve. Except that Julia could not endure his smile--which was, like some joint stock companies, strictly limited--she liked him well enough. It was something to her, in her monotonous l

should she read the riddle of a life so full of duplicity--of multiplicity--as the life of Joshua Humphreys, the music-teacher? Humphreys intended to make love to her, but during the first two we

es of Betsey, showed quickly her appreciation of every flattering attention he paid her, and though in Julia's presence he was careful how he treated her, yet when he, walking down the road one day, alone, met her, he courted her assiduously. He had not to observe any caut

n, my fair friend? I

. The other is a Dutchman, and she's dying after him. She may flirt with you, but

o separate Humphreys from Julia, she had given him the clue he desired, and he was not slo

n the light. For when it was light she could see him smile, and though she had not learned to connect a cold-blooded face with a villainous character, she had that childish instinct which made her

, their distance only indicated by color, though the whole Ohio "bottom" was between, she forgot the Mephistopheles who sat not far away, and dreamed of August,

e with. I think I have heard that your mother is not friendly to the suit of a young man who--who--well, let us say who is not wholly disagreeable to you. I beg your pardon, don't tell me anything that you prefer to keep locke

lsive to her. She could not see his face in the gathering darkness, but she could feel him smile that same soulless, geometric

ermans. A peculiar refinement, indeed, and a courtesy that is often wanting in Americans. I noticed this when I was in Leipsic.

hey comforted her heart, they made her feel grateful, even affectionate toward the fop, in spite of his watch-seals, his curled mustache, his straps, his cold eyes, and his artificial smile. Poor fool you will call her, and poor fool she was. For she could have thrown herself at the feet o