“Long hath it been mine, Hellen. Though I know not what it is. It must be a hidden force of nature that few hold. Often through it have I soothed thy mother. And, when Æole was a child, I used it upon her when she was hurt, and in pain. With her, there came a state like sleep. Again I used this force when she was called into the inner holy place; and to my amaze. But, it is a dread power. Such evil could come of it.”
“I can well see that,” said Sensel.
“Hush, hush,” here whispered Electra.
“Yea, hush ye all. Æole doth waken.” And Deucalion leaned over her, the while signing for them to withdraw.
The color was deepening, the eyelids fluttering, the lips parting. Scarcely were they outside, than she opened her eyes. A joyous smile lighted her face at sight of this dear father; and she held out her arms.
When they had embraced, he raised her to a sitting posture, and supported her. She said, in glad tone, “Father, thou didst not go. It was good of thee to hearken unto us.”
“But, I did go. And have but now come back.”
“Thou art pleased to jest. Is jesting a habit of the Pelasgians? I thought them a people sober of mind.”
He laughed. “Æole, thy chiding is fitting. But, I say again that I have but just come back. I caused thee to sleep.”
“As thou didst in the temple?”