"Senta!" he said—and there was both authority and entreaty in his low tone—"look at me!"
She raised her eyes and met his gaze unflinchingly; and in that glance each saw the soul of the other laid bare and knew that each was beloved.
"Senta," he continued, taking her hand, "I am a plain, rough man of the sea, and know not how to mend my speech for gentle ears like yours. But from the first moment I saw you, I loved you. And your father has already given his consent to my suit. What is your answer? Do I read your eyes aright?"
"Yes," she answered simply; "it was Fate that brought you to me."
The seaman felt a great wave of joy rush over him. He was loved! Freedom from the Evil Spirit was within his grasp! Then for the first time he realised how much he was asking of this innocent young girl. A curse was hanging over him; how could he ask one he loved to share it?
"Stay!" he said, gently releasing her hand, "I have no right to obtain your promise thus. You do not know who I am."
A bright smile broke over Senta's face.
"Ah, but I do!" she exclaimed.
"What! Is it possible that you know I am a wretched wanderer over the earth——"
"You have been," she said.