Page:Fantastics and other Fancies.djvu/166

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A KISS FANTASTICAL[1]

Curves of cheek and throat, and shadow of loose hair,—the dark flash of dark eyes under the silk of black lashes,—a passing vision light as a dream of summer,—the sweet temptations of seventeen years' grace,—womanhood at its springtime, when the bud is bursting through the blossom,—the patter of feet that hardly touch ground in their elastic movement, —the light loose dress, moulding its softness upon the limbs beneath it, betraying much, suggesting the rest;—an apparition seen only for a moment passing through the subdued light of a vineshaded window, briefly as an object illuminated by lightning,—yet such a moment may well be recorded by the guardian angels of men's lives.

"Croyez-vous ça?" suddenly demands a metallically sonorous voice at the other side of the table.

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  1. Item, June 8, 1881. Hearn's own title.