“Baffle what?”—Very faint was the queen’s voice.
“The foes of Æole and Hellen, gracious Queen.” He put his arm about the half-fainting Æole, and drew her to him. And Sensel glided beside them to whisper, “Be strong, be strong, dear Æole.”
She, though but half conscious, comprehended: and never had she been so happy. In her ears was the music of this sympathetic voice; upon her had come a tranquillity hardly of earth. In these arms so strongly enfolding her was she to be borne to heaven? Were the years on the island a dream? Surely these were the arms in which she had been wont to rest when the rambles over the dear Pelasgian fields had been too long, this was the touch that had ever soothed her!
Meanwhile, the queen was noting the astonishment of the sailors, who had ceased singing, and were resting on their oars. Thus, she whispered to Sensel:
“Look that no one is within the withdrawing room. Hither will we go.”
Sensel glided off. The queen said, as though to herself, “The ‘Silent Priest’ can only answer there.”
Great was her agitation. The priest, because of the quiet about them, bowed in acquiescence; further, signing that there he would make all plain.
Sensel returned to say the apartment was ready. Waving for her ladies to remain, the queen walked off supported by Electra; and was followed by the priest bearing Æole, and Hellen and Sensel.
Deep was the hush as they passed along. Not only those of their own galley were interested. The occupants of the galleys attending them had also quieted. Every eye was fastened in wonder. When the six had entered the withdrawing room, the hush continued as the galleys pursued their way.
The priest placed Æole upon a couch. But, as she regained strength, she arose to her feet to gaze at him as if charmed.