t, still, dark and massive in the
distance, lay the broken fragments of the destroying cloud, from which
red streaks, burning dimlier and more dim, betrayed the yet rolling
fires of the mountain of the 'Scorched Fields'. The white walls and
gleaming columns that had adorned the lovely coasts were no more.
Sullen and dull were the shores so lately crested by the cities of
Herculaneum and Pompeii. The darlings of the deep were snatched from
her embrace! Century after century shall the mighty Mother stretch
forth her azure arms, and know them not--moaning round the sepulchres of
the Lost!

There was no shout from the mariners at the dawning light--it had come
too gradually, and they were too wearied for such sudden bursts of
joy--but there was a low, deep murmur of thankfulness amidst those
watchers of the long night. They looked at each other and smiled--they
took heart--they felt once more that there was a world around, and a God
above them! And in the feeling that the worst was passed, the
overwearied ones turned round, and fell placidly to sleep. In the
growing light of the skies there came the silence which night had
wanted: and the bark drifted calmly onward to its port. A few other
vessels, bearing similar fugitives, might be seen in the expanse,
apparently motionless, yet gliding also on. There was a sense of
security, of companionship, and of hope, in the sight of their slender
masts and white sails. What beloved friends, lost and missed in the
gloom, might they not bear to safety and to shelter!

In the silence of the general sleep, Nydia rose gently. She bent over
the face of Glaucus--she inhaled the deep breath of his heavy
slumber--timidly and sadly she kissed his brow--his lips; she felt for
his hand--it was locked in that of Ione; she sighed deeply, and her face
darkened. Again she kissed his brow, and with her hair wiped from it the
damps of night. 'May the gods bless you, Athenian!' she murmured: 'may
you be happy with your beloved one!--may you sometimes remember Nydia!
Alas! she is of no further use on earth!'

With these words she turned away. Slowly she crept along by the fori,
or platforms, to the farther side of the vessel, and, pausing, bent low
over the deep; the cool spray dashed upward on her feverish brow. 'It
is the kiss of death,' she said 'it is welcome.' The balmy air played
through her waving tresses--she put them from her face, and raised those
eyes--so tender, though so lig