about in pillar-like clouds was overhead, and now it fell. To
the shrill whistle of the boatswain's pipe a squad of sailors came
tumbling aft, springing like monkeys on to the taffrail, casting loose
the lashings of the awning. Down it came with a rush, the roaring,
hissing, tropical rain, each spout as it struck the dark, oily surface
of the sea throwing up rings and globes of phosphorescent light till it
seemed that the whole expanse was one mass of wreathing, glimmering
tongues of flame--a scene of weird and marvellous beauty.

Even in the moment it took these two to reach the shelter of the
companion, so vehement was the downpour that they were not a little wet.
They had the deck to themselves, however, for in anticipation of
something of the kind, most of the passengers preferred the dry comfort
of the smoking-room or saloon. From the latter came up now snatches of
talk and laughter, but it was late, and most were already for turning
in. Still these two lingered, looking forth upon the sea hissing into
flame with the discharge of the cloud-torrent.

How would that interview have ended but for this inopportune
interruption? Were the very heavens fighting against them? thought
Mona, with a sick pain at her heart. But still the fountains of the
skies roared down, streaming over the decks, carried in seething
torrents along the scuppers. Not again could they venture forth
to-night. Long before the state of the deck would allow of it, even if
the rain cleared off, it would be too late.

"I must go below," she said at last. "They are putting out the lights
already. Good-night. I shall see you again in the morning."

This was obviously a superfluous statement; yet there was a meaning in
the words as she uttered them--a volume of meaning--gratulation that
such was the case, that the ice was broken, that the past was healed, or
nearly so--ah! a world of meaning. Then they clasped hands; the first
time since they had met on board. Was there a lingering, clinging
pressure in that grasp--on the part of one--on the part of both? It may
have been so.

Mona went down to her cabin, of which, the crowded state of the ship
notwithstanding, she by favour enjoyed sole possession. There, alone,
her mind went over all that had passed between them during that all too
short interview. Why had that miserable interruption been allowed? It
was too bad, it was heart-breaking, she thought resentfully, as she
dried the we