Серце темряви

           Shecarriedherheadhigh;herhairwasdoneintheshapeofahelmet;shehadbrassleggingstotheknee,brasswiregauntletstotheelbow,acrimsonspotonhertawnycheek,innumerablenecklacesofglassbeadsonherneck;bizarrethings,charms,giftsofwitch-men,thathungabouther,glitteredandtrembledateverystep.Shemusthavehadthevalueofseveralelephanttusksuponher.Shewassavageandsuperb,wild-eyedandmagnificent;therewassomethingominousandstatelyinherdeliberateprogress.Andinthehushthathadfallensuddenlyuponthewholesorrowfulland,theimmensewilderness,thecolossalbodyofthefecundandmysteriouslifeseemedtolookather,pensive,asthoughithadbeenlookingattheimageofitsowntenebrousandpassionatesoul.

           "Shecameabreastofthesteamer,stoodstill,andfacedus.Herlongshadowfelltothewater’sedge.Herfacehadatragicandfierceaspectofwildsorrowandofdumbpainmingledwiththefearofsomestruggling,half-shapedresolve.Shestoodlookingatuswithoutastir,andlikethewildernessitself,withanairofbroodingoveraninscrutablepurpose.Awholeminutepassed,andthenshemadeastepforward.Therewasalowjingle,aglintofyellowmetal,aswayoffringeddraperies,andshestoppedasifherhearthadfailedher.Theyoungfellowbymysidegrowled.Thepilgrimsmurmuredatmyback.Shelookedatusallasifherlifehaddependedupontheunswervingsteadinessofherglance.