Pyrrha had continued to hold Electra’s hand; and the latter had been regarding her brightly in her lack of comprehension of Deucalion’s and Hellen’s words. Thus Pyrrha’s heart warmed the more.
“Would that she knew our tongue, Deucalion.”
“It will come to her soon. In six months Sensel and myself mastered Atlantean.”
Pyrrha looked again at Electra. It was strange how this young girl attracted her. With growing delight, Hellen watched his mother’s interest. As to Deucalion, he was exultant—that is, within. Things were going as he wished.
For the next half hour, Deucalion was busy recounting to Pyrrha and their tried friends the main events as they had occurred since he parted from them. They listened to exclaim continually. When he had finished, for this time, he spoke in touching manner of his gratitude to these dear Pelasgians, exalting their constancy to Pyrrha and himself.
In turn, Illyr and wife, Ephes and wife, Pelop and wife, with their children, declared the stay with Pyrrha had been a bright holiday, and that theirs was the pleasure of gratitude. Stoutly they insisted that the obligation was on their side. This sweet wrangling was to the keen enjoyment of Hellen, who, with Æole and Electra, still stood beside Pyrrha.
But, where was Sensel? After kissing Pyrrha’s hand, he had vanished, not to return. Repeatedly had Æole looked about the vessel for him; and had as often wondered if he were within the small cabin, or had gone below to the sleeping apartments. At last, as she was gazing wistfully at the stairway leading to the latter, she perceived a head rising into view. But this was a head on which was a cap of white linen with crown encircled by a fillet of scarlet cloth that tied in a bow behind and with ends depending!
Moreover, this figure, as it further arose into view, displayed a most elegant garb. There was a broad cape of purple wool fitted to the shoulder, and reaching to the waist; and adorned with yellow lace. Beneath, was a coat of scarlet cloth fitting close to the body, opening in front, and reaching to the knees. Still beneath was an inner garment of yellow linen that fell in graceful fullness to the ankles. About the waist was a golden girdle; and shoes of red leather ornamented the feet.
It took but a few moments to view all this. And ah, but it was a rare figure and garb; and bewildering—for the height was Sensel’s!—Further, were not these brilliant eyes meeting hers, Sensel’s, also? Was not this his smile?
Her head swam as this noble, elegant, lissome shape approached to bow gracefully, grandly to her and all. Next, she began to wonder why everyone, even to her father, should bend with utmost deference, in return.