They burned steadily in their violet hold--a million
kindly eyes welcoming her to the Open Country. The great town lay so still
below that but for the glare behind the houses, which told her that it
lived, she might have thought herself enfolded in the hills. So sure she
was that she had been wedded, she glanced swiftly up and down the street,
lest one chance passenger should have seen her naked soul. So a young
girl, kissed by her lover, will search the emptiness in fear. Not a soul
could be seen; Charles Street under its lamplight showed like a broad
white ribbon curving towards the Square, towards the Park. To her heart
she whispered, "Dearest, you may love me--we are alone under the stars"--
and then shut her eyes fast, and with parted lips breathed quick and
short.
Out of the night, out of an empty street, a voice came up, "He loves you--
none so well. He lies out on the down in a white robe. He watches for you
and waits. I have seen him, talked with him of you. Can you refuse such
love as his? Goddess though you are, you will get no higher love."
The voice was very real. She knew it well. From the close arms that held
her, she answered it. "Oh, Struan, I know! I knew before you told me.
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