Alicia's entire honeymoon gave her hot and cold shivers. A blonde,angelic, and timid young girl, the childish fancies she had dreamedabout being a bride had been chilled by her husband's rough character.She loved him very much, nonetheless, although sometimes she gave alight shudder when, as they returned home through the streets togetherat night, she cast a furtive glance at the impressive stature of herJordan, who had been silent for an hour. He, for his part, loved herprofoundly but never let it be seen.For three months--they had been married in April--they lived in aspecial kind of bliss.Doubtless she would have wished less severity in the rigorous sky oflove, more expansive and less cautious tenderness, but her husband'simpassive manner always restrained her.The house in which they lived influenced her chills and shuddering tono small degree. The whiteness of the silent patio--friezes, columns,and marble statues--produced the wintry impression of an enchantedpalace. Inside the glacial brilliance of stucco, the completely barewalls, affirmed the sensation of unpleasant coldness. As one crossedfrom one room to another, the echo of his steps reverberatedthroughout the house, as if long abandonment had sensitized itsresonance.