“We will,” echoed all.
“We know what it is to be strangers in a far land,” added Hellen.
“Yet—we had our land to look to,” said Æole.
“Ho for Pelasgia!” cried these Pelasgians. And then looked sadly over at the Atlantean vessels. As with one impulse, they moved to the vessel’s side to watch the Atlanteans long and affectionately; and thus adopted them into their hearts.
The Atlanteans appeared to understand, for they returned the looking with smiles, sad though they were to desperation. Not one of them but was mourning the loss of near or dear ones. Indeed, many were envying Celesa’s relatives, that they had returned. But their grief must be in silence, for they yet had their queen.
On the morn of the morrow, Pyrrha left her vessel elated. At last she was to behold this woman who had so tenderly cared for her children; and entered the withdrawing room confident that she could help.
As she passed on to the queen, Deucalion beckoned for the ladies in waiting to come out. These, after listening to his explanations, sat down under the awning, and regarded each other in wonder. Was this Pyrrha—this fair, grand, most lovable looking woman but one of a type? If so, what a race was the Pelasgian, after Deucalion and his children!
Pyrrha stood beside the queen reverently, adoringly. Indeed her love so went out from her as to affect the pale, passive recipient. For Pyrrha had gazed but a little while, when Atlana turned and looked full at her, and this though she had come without noise.
Of her amaze, the queen strengthened to raise somewhat, and stare at the angelic face bending over her; and finally whispered:
“Who art thou? Comest thou of the gods?”