AN EPISODE FROM “AN ICELAND FISHERMAN”
(PECHEUR D’ISLANDE)
By Pierre Loti
Done into English by the Editor
The Iceland ships were returning—two the second day, four the next, and twelve during the week following. And throughout the country joy returned with them—there was happiness for the wives and mothers; happiness too in the taverns where the pretty Paimpol girls served drink to the fishermen.
The Léopoldine was in the group of belated ones; there were still ten missing. They could not be long now, and Gaud, in the thought that Yann would be there within a week—an extreme of delay which she allowed for so as not to be disappointed—was in a delicious intoxication of expectancy, keeping the home well in order—very clean and very neat—to receive him.
Everything being in readiness, there was nothing more for her to do; besides, in her impatience her head could hold only the one thought.
Three more of the tardy ships now arrived, and then five. Only two were wanting from the muster.
“Come!” they said to her laughingly, “this year it is either the Léopoldine or the Marie-Jeanne that will have to stay behind 'to sweep up.’”
And Gaud laughed—even she—more animated and more beautiful in her joy of anticipation.