“May such come. May this island sink into these waters, and soon—to rid the world of such wicked work!”
“Hellen, thou knowest not what thou sayest. Yet, thou dost but speak my dreams.”
She covered her eyes with her hands, and tremor after tremor passed over her.
“Dear Queen Atlana, we will cease this talk so full of horror. Let me kiss thy hand. Then will I go.”
“Yea, Hellen. It were better thou shouldst leave me for a little.”
She held out her hands. He rubbed them gently, magnetically, so that she became calmer, and soon lay quiet. Then he arranged the cushions, and placed the shawl over her most tenderly.
“Dear Queen Atlana, mayest thou now slumber. I go for a little.”
“My fond wishes to Æole and Electra. And bid them hope.”
“I will.”
After kissing her hands he went from her. The ladies Rica and Elna then came in and fanned her until sleep came.