“Hellen, calm thyself. I will bide alone. Look ye to the queen, and to Æole and Electra. Bring me the food, drink, and oil while I go to speak with them.”
They gazed at him, irresolute. But, as he regarded them, they at length turned to comply; whereupon, he repaired to the withdrawing room to find that the queen was still unconscious, whilst beside her sat Æole and Electra. He took a hand of each, saying, “I would speak with you.”
When the ladies in waiting had withdrawn, he continued: “Æole, Electra, gather your strength. I have to tell you that I will stay here in my boat after the galleys pass on to the east, that I may witness the last of the island.”
They were bewildered. Thus, he repeated his words, and with such conviction that they became horrified, and piteously besought him not to leave them, not to go to his death.
“Do ye not feel I shall come back? Æole, gather thy trust. Electra, where is thy strength?”
“Gone, gone is my strength,” moaned Electra. “I now know fear. Ah, Sir Deucalion, think of us. Yield not to this wish. What is its furthering to the delight of joining thy wife, of bringing before her Æole and Hellen. And, tempt not the gods.”
“Thou meanest be not too sure of the favor of the gods, Electra.”
She blushed; but regarded him bravely. “I have said it. Take it as thou wilt. Either is my thought.”
“Thou art a ready one. And I like thy truth. But no talking will hold me. I go.”
He took them in his arms, and kissed them. “Now is my parting word for a little. But I shall come back. And, give of this to the queen when I am gone, a drop with every hour.”