The sudden consciousness of someone standing near, caused her to start violently and stammer in confusion, as she realized her last thoughts had been audible. A young man had appeared out of the shadows.
He came a few steps nearer and said humbly: “I beg your pardon for this intrusion. I came from the temple to explore the Grotto, then I saw you standing here, truly a vision to satisfactorily complete this impressive scene. I stood and watched you. I had no idea you would think aloud!”
Even in the faint light Persephone had recognized her rescuer of the Acropolis, and though her heart quickened its beat and her cheeks flushed, she resented his having heard her words, and said somewhat haughtily: “I thought all the Persians had left Greece by this time.”
“All the Persians have,” he replied. “I am a Greek.”
A contemptuous smile curled her lips. “It must be convenient to be able to change one’s nationality at will!”
Her words stung him, but he did not swerve from his purpose. He took a step closer to her and said evenly: “I have been searching for you ever since the Persians were defeated at Platæa and now I have found you. Who are you Persephone?”
She did not shrink from him at his approach, but with lips slightly parted and eyes wide with wonder, gazed steadfastly into his face. As their eyes met, his features relaxed from their severity, and once again he felt the same impulse to hold and kiss her as he had after the miracle of Salamis. All disdain had vanished from her attitude, and the words he had heard her speak and the vague yearning which they expressed, might not he—? His arms were stretched forth to take her, his lips eager to meet hers, when the vision of another face came between; the face of one to whom he had made a sacred promise of love! Was he weak, that he could change his nationality and his sweethearts to accommodate his moods? He backed away, covering his face with an uplifted arm, and uttered a sob, “It is too late, little girl! Forget that I sought you after the Mysteries, forget that I love you.”
Persephone’s lips quivered as she asked faintly: “Why is it too late?”
He did not answer, so deep was his emotion. Suddenly a new thought occurred to him and he asked roughly, “That fellow who played Pluto with you, does he—love you?”
She lowered her eyes in embarrassment as she answered, “He has said so—but—”