And, as they sat absolutely alone upon the inner steps of the Temple of
Poseidon at Paestum, looking out upon the sapphire sea and azure sky,
the noble columns in front of them all bathed in golden light, and a
solemn crow perched above as priest to bless them, Halcyone drew the
wrappings from the goddess's head.
"See, John," she said, "Aphrodite is perfectly happy; she is smiling as
never before. She knows that we have found all her message." And she
laid her head against his shoulder as he encircled her with his arm.
"Dear," she went on, with that misty look in her serene eyes as though
they could see into the beyond, "for me, however much beautiful things
exalt me and take me to God, I can never go there alone. It always seems
as if I must put out my hand and take your hand."
"Sweetheart," he answered, holding her close, "and long ago I called
love a draught of the poison cup--what a poor blind fool was I!"
"Yes," she said tenderly. "John, we are much wiser now--and, when we
return to the world out of this divine dream-country, you will teach me
of that life which you must live in the fierce arena where you will
fight for a principle against such odds; and I shall be always there to
comfort you and give you of my sympathy and tenderness.
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