She leaned back, and closed her eyes. Deucalion pressed her wasted hand and spoke in softest tone, with intent to bring her out of her sad thought.
“Dear Queen, I should have said a little like thine old self. That will be much. And now I would warn thee when next thou seest me, I will be more of my old self—in garb. I shall be no priest of Poseidon. I shall be in Pelasgian dress, fairer of skin, and shorn of this beard. I would not change until thou couldst be told.”
“In any dress, thou art Deucalion, the kind, the noble. Pyrrha, how blest art thou! But go, Sir Deucalion, that I may soon behold thee as Pelasgian. Whilst thou art gone, I will look at Pyrrha.”
“Not this day, dear Queen. But on the morrow. Though now will I leave thee that thou mayst look upon Pyrrha.”
CHAPTER XIX.
THE BEGINNING OF PEACE.
The next morning, the vessels began their course up the Middle Sea. And with what a difference in the hearts they carried. Truly the Pelasgian vessels were bearing feathers, the Atlantean vessels stones. Alas for these poor Atlanteans! Well did their vessels, even in their port, testify to the weighty spirits of those aboard them, for they ploughed the water unwillingly, heavily.
Later in the day, the noblest of Pelasgians appeared before his children and Electra to dazzle their eyes; whereupon, Hellen after much interchange of criticism with Æole, asseverated:
“Ah, father, we would have known thee but for the beard. That it was that hid thee.”
But Electra said nothing so engrossed was she with the beauty of each separate feature. Now were disclosed the noblest of chins, the firmest, kindest of mouths, the perfect contour, the strength and sweetness of expression, the high purpose. She could not gaze enough.
And thus felt Queen Atlana when Deucalion presented himself in this beautiful costume much like that of Prince Pelasgus, the difference being that there was less of trimming, and that the cape and coat were of one color, a rich deep blue. It was fine to see her admiration, finer to hear it expressed. Thus, Deucalion really blushed, and to steady himself, said, “Ah, dear Queen, if thou thinkest this so fine, wait until I bring before thee two noble youths of Pelasgia, which will be on the morrow, if thou art willing.”