“Ever art thou fond of her, dear Queen. But, thou wouldst have reason, were she not so pure, to hate her without end. But, thou must think, it is Æole—pure, weak, grieving Æole.”
“I know, I know. I will go to her; and clasp her.” With this, she arose, and went to sit beside Æole, to draw her to her as a mother might. Then they whispered together to their comforting.
Meanwhile, Sensel had informed the captains of the galleys that they were to depart; thus, pennants of red and gold were run up to call the oarsmen to their posts. When these were in their places, Sensel came again to the queen to report; and added:
“Queen Atlana, I go now to my master. We will meet the galleys off the great pile of rocks on the eastern coast.”
She smiled faintly, despite her sore heart. “Thanks to thee, Sensel. And, good speed to thee.”
After one look at Æole, he bounded from the galley to the stairway; and vanished.
Then the queen, with Æole, Electra, and her ladies went on board her own galley. Instantly the galleys moved off; and were followed by many of those of the nobles as well as those of less degree, in compliment to herself. While these glided through the canal, and through the water lilies of the stream, the islanders on the banks chanted their love for her. And happily they sang.
Atlana, in response, stood under her awning, bowing to right and left, and kissing her hand. Thus, on sped the galleys to the harbor; through the harbor to the ocean; and along the coast to the point where the ‘Silent Priest’ was to join them.
Here, opposite the pile of rocks, did himself and Sensel push off in the fantastic boat; whilst grouped on the sands, priests and people watched them, strangely quiet.
But, when the ‘Silent Priest’ had crossed the smiling water almost to the galleys, Queen Atlana showed herself. At once, the mass of islanders on the shore became vociferous in their acclamations. Many, of their zeal, threw off mantles, dashed into the surf, and swam even to her galley, arriving there almost with the silent one. When the latter had ascended, and was bowing low before her, the swimmers again burst forth in acclamations to be echoed strenuously by those on the galleys. The air was full of gladness.