Oh! without a doubt it was over; she was dead, and these dreams and
memories were such as come to the dwellers in the Under-world. Only then
why did she hear the sound of lapping water, and of dipping oars?
Very slowly she opened her eyes, for Tua greatly feared what she might
see. Light flowed upon her, the light of the moon which hung in a clear
sky like some great lamp of gold. By it she saw that, robed all in
white, she lay upon a couch in a pavilion, whereof the silken curtains
were drawn back in front, and tied to gilded posts. At her side, wrapped
in a grey robe, lay another figure, which she knew for Asti. It was
still, so still that she was sure it must be dead, yet she knew that
this was Asti. Perchance Asti dreamed also, and could hear in her
dreams; at least, she would speak to her.
"Asti," she whispered, "Asti, can you hear me?"
The grey figure at her side stirred, and the head turned towards her.
Then the voice of Asti, none other, answered:
"Aye, Lady, I hear and see.
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