Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/296



usual sequence of a violent storm, the following morning was all that could be desired, combining, as it were, the charms of spring and summer. The change in myself from the grave mood of the preceding night was equally marked. My heart was filled with an unwonted gladness; all seemed colored with the light of an undying spring; for—all-sufficient reason—was I not again, that morning, within a few hours, to see—her? Utis soon perceived and understood my mood, for had he not also been in Arcadia? He quietly made a suggestion on which I was not slow to act. I telephoned an inquiry to Hulmar whether I might breakfast with him.

"Why need you ask?" was the hearty response. "I missed you greatly last evening; and so did, I think, some one else. Be punctual!"

I very narrowly escaped losing a finger that morning; so that Utis, who had observed the occurrence, laughingly put me out of the workshop.

"Busy yourself for an hour or two in the garden," said he, "You will find plenty to do during that time. Then get ready and go. You are not safe in here."