But, ah! it was not a cloud. It was a long black shadow, that appeared to Tito, from the bank on which he reclined, as if touching the skies and the earth, draping the entire horizon in mourning. It was a colossal figure, but increased by his imagination; a terrible being enveloped in a long, dark mantle. It stood at his side, immovable and silent, covering them both with its shadow.
Tito knew who it was.
Elena did not see the lugubrious personage. She continued gazing at the moon.
CHAPTER XIV.
PHYSICIAN, AT LAST!
Tito was between love and death, or rather between death and life. Yes, because that dismal shadow which had come between him and the moon, clouding the splendor of passion in Elena’s countenance, was the divinity of darkness, our hero’s faithful companion ever since his first thought of suicide.
“How art thou, friend?” said he.
“Ah! hush!” murmured Tito, covering his face with his hands.
“What is it, my love?” questioned Elena, observing her husband’s anguish.