Before they had scarcely accepted his purpose, she was raised from the bed of lilies and placed in the chair, and he waited calm beside it.
The queen’s look pierced him, but he returned it proudly, growing so brilliant that her look became one of amaze. Then, to her surprise, as well as that of the beholders, she bowed in consent. With that, Sensel and an attendant bore the chair on to the queen’s chariot.
As Queen Atlana turned to follow, she beckoned to Electra. Electra then came beside her, and the queen subjoined:
“Electra, thou wilt come also.”
Unmindful of the scowling king, she took the hand of the overjoyed young girl, and passed with gracious smiles through the lines of intent islanders, whose love showed in their looks, whose sympathy breathed in eloquent undertones. Quickly they were entering the great broad low chariot, on whose soft cushions reclined Æole.
Sensel was standing very near her. He had been talking with her, and she was smiling, rosy. Further, to the surprise of the queen and Electra, she held out her hand when they were about to drive off, and said, in her gracious way:
“I will give the parting word, Sensel.”
“Thou wilt do that after I have seen thee in the palace,” he returned, in his brilliant manner. Then the chariot drove away.
True to his word, he was in the courtyard when they arrived, and not only that, but would lift her out, would place her in the chair, would help to bear her within. When no more could be done for her, he said, in softest tone:
“Now is my parting word, Æole.”