rmen are ugly, but they
haven't these deep, terrible sears. I like them very much, I assure you,
Gart. I suppose you are a friend of Haggart's--you have such stern, fine
eyes? But you are silent? Why are they silent, Haggart; did you forbid
them to speak? And why are you silent yourself, Haggart? Haggart!"

Illuminated by the light of torches, Haggart stands and listens to the
rapid, agitated speech. The metal of the guns and the uniforms vibrates
and flashes; the light is also playing on the faces of those who
have surrounded Haggart in a close circle--these are his nearest, his
friends. And in the distance there is a different game--there a large
ship is dancing silently, casting its light upon the black waves,
and the black water plays with them, pleating them like a braid,
extinguishing them and kindling them again.

A noisy conversation and the splashing of the waters--and the dreadful
silence of kindred human lips that are sealed.

"I am listening to you, Mariet," says Haggart at last. "What do you
want, Mariet? It is impossible that some one should have offended you. I
ordered them not to touch your house."

"Oh, no, Haggart, no! No one has offended me!" exclaimed Mariet
cheerfully. "But don't you like me to hold little Noni in my arms?
Then I will put him down here among the rocks. Here he will be warm and
comfortable as in his cradle. That's the way! Don't be afraid of waking
him, Gart; he sleeps soundly and will not hear anything. You may shout,
sing, fire a pistol--the boy sleeps soundly."

"What do you want, Mariet? I did not call you here, and I am not pleased
that you have come."

"Of course, you did not call me here, Haggart; of course, you didn't.
But when the fire was started, I thought: 'Now it will light the way for
me to walk. Now I will not stumble.' And I went. Your friends will not
be offended, Haggart, if I will ask them to step aside for awhile? I
have something to tell you, Gart. Of course, I should have done that
before, I understand, Gart; but I only just recalled it now. It was so
light to walk!"

Haggart says sternly:

"Step aside, Flerio, and you all--step aside with him."

They all step aside.

"What is it that you have recalled, Mariet? Speak! I am going away
forever from your mournful land, where one dreams such painful dreams,
where even the rocks dream of sorrow. And I have forgotten everything."

Gently and submissively, seeking protection and kindness, the woman
presse