“Pardon me,” said I smiling for company, “I am a stranger here, as you can see, and did not know any better.”

“You are one of the travellers from another world, are you not?”

“Ah! you have heard of our arrival.”

“Oh yes!  An event so important was not kept from me.  I saw you sitting beside my father on the day of the Flower, and I knew you again.  I am afraid our country will seem very odd to you.  Have you enjoyed your stay?”

“So much.  I cannot tell you how much.”

“I hope you will remain with us a long time.”

“I should like to stop here for ever.”

She blushed and smiled with pleasure at these words, then, raising her arms in a noble salute, inclined her head, and entered the cavern.

I returned to the car in a delirium of happiness.  I had seen her again, I had actually spoken with her. She knew me! Every detail of her look and accent was indelibly printed on my memory.  All next day I wandered about in a kind of transport, feasting on the recollection of what had passed between us, and revolving over my future course of action.  In two days the holy time would end, and I should have an opportunity of meeting her at home; but with the chance of seeing her again at the grotto, I could not wait.  I was allured towards her by the most delicious fascination.  Such a love as mine looked down upon the petty proprieties which keep lovers apart, yet are sometimes so needful in our wicked world.  In this noble planet life was free and simple, because it was beautiful and good.  I determined to revisit the cove that evening, and if I should see her again, to declare my secret.

Had I counted the cost?  With such a passion it is not a question of cost.  I was well aware that if she did not reciprocate my affection she would never marry me.  Nor did I wish it otherwise.  I would not ask her to sacrifice herself for my sake.  If, as my heart fondly hoped, she accepted me, I would not allow anything to stand between us for a moment.  I would abandon the expedition if necessary, and remain in Venus.  If, on the other hand, she refused me as my judgment feared, I would return to the earth as a new man, ennobled by a glorious love, reverencing myself that I was capable of it, cherishing her image in my heart as the ideal of womanhood, and grateful for having seen and known her.  Surely a rich reward for all the perils of the journey.

Sunset found me in the cove, not hidden by the leaves as before, but sitting in the boat astrand.  She came.  To-night her veil was of a golden yellow shading into dark green.  A beautiful smile of recognition passed over her face when she saw me, and we greeted one another in the graceful fashion of the country.

I did not speak of the weather or give an excuse for my presence there, as I might have done to a woman of the world.  With Alumion I felt that all such artificial forms were idle, and that I could reveal my inmost soul without disguise, in all its naked sincerity.