The King in Yellow (Tales of Mystery & The Supernatural)

by Robert W. Chambers

Then for a time they were mute, acknowledging by silence the happiness of being together. And after all their silence was eloquent, for faint smiles, and glances born of their thoughts, crossed and recrossed, until lips moved and words were formed,

‘it is hard – hard to work always – always alone with never a friend you can have in honour, and the love that is offered means the streets, the boulevard – when passion is dead. I know it – we know it – we others who have nothing – have no one, and who give ourselves, unquestioning – when we love – yes, unquestioning – heart and soul, knowing the end.’