sitting in the boat astrand. She came. To-night her veil was of a golden
yellow shading into dark green. A beautiful smile of recognition passed
over her face when she saw me, and we greeted one another in the
graceful fashion of the country.

I did not speak of the weather or give an excuse for my presence there,
as I might have done to a woman of the world. With Alumion I felt that
all such artificial forms were idle, and that I could reveal my inmost
soul without disguise, in all its naked sincerity.

"I have brought you some flowers," said I, offering her a nosegay which
I had picked. "Will you accept them?"

"I thank you," she replied with a beaming smile as she came and took
them from my hand. "They are very beautiful, and I shall keep them for
your sake."

"For my sake!"

Inspired by love I continued in a voice trembling with emotion,

"Alumion--can you not guess what brings me here?"

A blush rose to her cheek as she bent over the flowers.

"It is because I love you," said I; "because I have loved you ever since
I saw you on the day you cut the sacred lily; because I love
you--worship you--with all my heart and soul."

She was silent.