"I stood a little while quiet, my eyes upon the water, the invitation of the ocean in my ears, vague and sweet as the murmur of a shell. Then I looked at my bathing-suit and towels.
"'In we go!' said I, aloud. A second later the prophecy was fulfilled.
"I swam far out to sea, and as I swam the waters all around me turned to gold. The sun had risen.
"There is a fragrance in the sea at dawn that none can name. Whitethorn a-bloom in May, sedges a-sway, and scented rushes rustling in an inland wind recall the sea to me—I can't say why.
"Far out at sea I raised myself, swung around, dived, and set out again for shore, striking strong strokes until the necked foam flew. And when at last I shot through the breakers, I laughed aloud and sprang upon the beach, breathless and happy. Then from the ocean came another cry, clear, joyous, and a white arm rose in the air.
"She came drifting in with the waves like a white sea-sprite, laughing at me, and I plunged into the breakers again to join her.
"Side by side we swam along the coast, just outside the breakers, until in the next cove we saw the flutter of her maid's cap-strings.
"'I will beat you to breakfast!' she cried, as I rested, watching her glide up along the beach.
"'Done!' said I—'for a sea-shell!'
"'Done!' she called, across the water.