XX IGNORANCE TAKES THE TRAIL OF DANGER

XXI GOLD OF REPENTANCE, SUNLIGHT OF LOVE AND A MAN GONE MAD

XXII THE MISERERE OF MOTHERHOOD

XXIII GRIEF, AND HOPE THAT DIED HARD

XXIV TROUBLE FINDS THE GOLD THAT WAS IN THEM




CHAPTER ONE

SOME TIME!


From the obscurity of vast, unquiet distance the surf came booming in
with the heavy impetus of high tide, flinging long streamers of kelp
and bits of driftwood over the narrowing stretch of sand where
garishly costumed bathers had lately shrieked hilariously at their
gambols. Before the chill wind that had risen with the turn of the
tide the bathers retreated in dripping, shivering groups, to appear
later in fluffs and furs and woollen sweaters; still inclined to
hilarity, still undeniably both to leave off their pleasuring at
Venice, dedicated to cheap pleasures.

But when the wind blew stronger and the surf boomed louder and nearer,