Lovers in Paradise

For a moment they both stood still as if turned to stone. Then with a little cry Roxana moved into the Count's arms. He held her close, kissing first her lips, then her wet eyes and the tears from her cheeks. She felt as if her prayer had been answered. She had died and was in a Heaven so perfect, so wonderful that she was no longer breathing. At last the Count raised his head to look down at Roxana's radiantly beautiful face. "How could you have left me?" he cried. "I have been frantic, off my head with terror in case I would never find you again." Roxana gave a sigh of inexpressible happiness. Then he was kissing her again, holding her close against him as if he were afraid he might lose her for a second time, closer and closer until their bodies seemed to merge, and their souls were one.