Page:Afterglow; pastels of Greek Egypt, 69 B.C. (IA afterglowpastels00buck).pdf/63

Rh the sweep of woman's nature. I displeased her, and I did not know why.

Then I went among the islands with my father—a trip which, a few months before, would have filled me with delight. But as I lay at night upon the deck of the boat, the moonlight filled me with a thousand memories and longings; and the new, strange sights of the days brought no light to my eyes.

When I returned, I sought the dwelling of my hopes. It stood serene in the moonlight and the song of insects arose from the garden where I had spent so many happy moments; but, within, despair was throned. For Aalea had left her parents and had given herself to the temple of lascivious Aphrodite. She who would have been my wife and the mother of my son! Her father cursed her in a way that was terrible to hear.

I could not believe it. I drew my cloak