Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/343

 Seated beside me,—for the one seat in the boat resembled that of a curricle,—Reva mapped out for me the proceedings of the evening and morning. Shortly after dinner and the signing of the civil contract, Olav and I should return to Falo. In the forenoon of the following day would take place, in Falo, the religious ceremony that should give the final sanction to the union of the pair so long united in heart and feeling. Of this ceremony, so beautiful and impressive as described to me, I reluctantly refrain from giving any account, adhering to my set purpose of avoiding those topics in regard to which, the more earnest the interest, the wider the divergence of belief and observance.

Immediately after the ceremony the newly wedded pair would return to the villa on Grand Isle, which had been placed for a week unreservedly at their disposal. Herc they could enjoy undisturbed seclusion till they saw fit. to set out on their long wedding journey. The extent of their proposed itinerary almost took away my breath. It included every spot, in every quarter of the globe, visited by Olav during his zerdarship. But, as I reflected, much ground could be passed over in three months, with the means of travel at their disposal.

If either indulged in any day-dream of that future happy journey awaiting us also, nothing was said on the subject. The present was too happy for our thoughts to wander far ahead. Enveloped in the blissful consciousness of each other's presence and sympathy, surrounded by beauty, we glide swiftly and noiselessly amid scenes that seem taken from the landscapes of a glorified Claude Lorraine. The rays of the westering August sun were