Aphrodite was there still in the bag lying on top of the heavy
iron-bound box in the secret passage, and she carried her out into the
sunlight and once more took the wrappings from the perfect face.
"You are coming with us, sweet friend," she whispered, and gazed long
into the goddess's eyes. What she saw there gave her comfort.
"Yes, I know," she went on gently. "I did say that, whatever came, I
would understand that it was life--And I do--and I know this evil pain
is only for the time--and so I will not admit its power. I will wait and
some day joy will return to me, like the swallow from the south. Mother,
I will grieve not."
And all the softest summer zephyrs seemed to caress her in answer, and
there she sat silent and absorbed, looking out to the blue hills for
more than an hour.
Then she saw Cheiron advancing up the beech avenue, and covering up
Aphrodite she went to meet him.
They came back to the second terrace and started upon their quest.
Mr. Carlyon had the greatest difficulty in keeping his old head bent to
get through the very low part of the dark arched place, and he held
Halcyone's hand.
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