the tattered remnants of his clothes she found a certain
entertainment. And she noticed that while he stood talking in the
presence of two ladies he appeared unembarrassed by his semi-nakedness,
perhaps from the habit of it. And, after all, what cause for
embarrassment? How many times, on the beach at Trouville, had she
conversed with gentlemen who wore even less upon their persons?

Another surprise was given her when a brown setter, from somewhere in
the forest, came flying toward them, and threw himself upon the long
lost Pats. And the dog's delight at the meeting was similar to Elinor's.
He, in turn, was presented to the Princess, who patted his head.

"_Bon jour, Monsieur Solomon_. I am happy to meet you: and for your
enthusiasm I have the profoundest regard."

Then, as they all started toward the cottage, Pats still answering
Elinor's questions, there appeared among the pines a black figure which
recalled pictures of Dante in the forest of Ravenna. This figure halted
in surprise at sight of the half-naked savage approaching with an easy
self-possession, a lady on either side. And evidently the savage was a
welcome object--a thing of interest--of affection even, if outward signs
were trustworthy. And his Grace, when presented to this uncouth object,
made no effort at assuming joy. Whether from an unfamiliarity with wild
men, or from some other reason, this creature proved offensive to him.
The lately lamented lover appeared politely indifferent to the priest's
opinion,--good or bad,--and this so augmented his Grace's irritation
that his words of welcome displayed more dignity than warmth. After
proper congratulations on the return of her friend, he said to Elinor,
in impressive tones, with a fatherly benevolence:

"We always rejoice when a human life is saved, but it would prove a sad
misfortune, indeed, should it cause you to falter in your high resolve
and return to worldly affairs."

Elinor instinctively edged a little closer to Pats and slid a hand in
one of his,--a movement observed by the Princess.

His Grace, with yet greater impressiveness in tone and manner, added:

"Yours is not a nature to forget or lightly ignore a pledge once given.
And please understand, my dear child, it is for your spiritual future
that I remind you of your solemn words to our dear friend--to him who is
no longer here to recall them to you, and whose beneficent influence is
forever gone."

Into Elinor's face had come a look