She leaned out, looking down to her heaven.
The moon had been climbing the sky, veiled in a little cloud. The cloud vanished, and her light fell on the chief.
"Have you been to a ball?" said Mercy.
"No, Mercy. I doubt if there will be any dancing more in
Strathruadh!"
"Then why are you in court dress?"
"When should a Celt, who of all the world loves radiance and colour, put on his gay attire? For the multitude, or for the one?"
"Thank you. Is it a compliment?—But after your love, everything fine seems only natural!"
"In love there are no compliments; truth only walks the sacred path between the two doors. I will love you as my father loved my mother, and loves her still."
"I do like to see you shining! It was kind of you to dress for the moon and me!"
"Whoever loves the truth must love shining things! God is the father of lights, even of the lights hid in the dark earth—sapphires and rubies, and all the families of splendour."