“‘Marna of the far quest

After the divine!

Striving ever for some goal

Past the blunder-god’s control!

Dreaming of potential years

When no day shall dawn in fears!

That’s the Marna of my soul,

Wander-bride of mine!’”

The beautiful face was on my breast, the cornflower blue eyes were raised to mine, the maize-colored hair was like a curtain about us, shutting out the moonlight, the night, the world. I drew her closer, closer still, silently, breathlessly, until I heard her give a shaken cry:

“It’s in your eyes—I can read it! You do love me, you do, you do! David Dale! David Dale!”