But there is no danger here. I have clambered
up these ledges repeatedly--up to the very top. Here, you see, we
have an even pathway along the edge. We have nothing to do but to
set the foot down firmly."
But Stevens was not so sure, and his opinion on the beauties of the
dangerous did not chime exactly with hers. Still, he did not lack
for courage, and his pride did not suffer him to yield in a contest
with a female. He gazed on her with increasing wonder. If he saw
no loveliness in danger--he saw no little loveliness just then in
her; and she might be said to personify danger to his eyes. Her
tall, symmetrical, and commanding figure, perched on the trembling
pinnacle of rock which sustained her, was as firm and erect as if
she stood on the securest spot of land.
Nor was her position that of simple security and firmness. The grace
of her attitude, her extended and gently waving arm as she spoke,
denoted a confidence which could only have arisen from a perfect
unconsciousness of danger. Her swan-like neck, with the face slightly
turned back to him; the bright flashing eyes, and the smile of equal
pride and dignity on her exquisitely-chiselled mouth;--all formed
a picture for the artist's study, which almost served to divert
the thoughts of Stevens from the feeling of danger which he expressed.
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