' She paused on
that last word, and then, as though it had put new life into her, she
sat erect and opened her eyes wider upon the horizon as she put the
amazing question, 'Was it over a dog that you two hated?'
"It staggered me: but I caught at the first explanation. 'Oh, I
see,' said I. 'Your husband has been telling you?'
"She didn't answer this at once. . . . At length, and as though my
voice had taken long in reaching her, far out on the ocean where her
gaze rested--'No,' said she, 'Pete has told me nothing. ... I never
asked. . . . But if it is true, _ay de mi!_ then that which I behold
is not true.'
"'Of what are you speaking?' I asked.
"'I saw an island,' she answered, as one in a dream: 'and again I see
it. It has two sharp peaks and one that would seem to be cut short.
Lawns of green climb up to the peaks between forests. There is a
ring of surf all about the shore . . . but the boat has found a
passage through . . . and you and Pete are landing . . . and--
strangest!--there is a dog leaping about on the shore to welcome
you.'
"I was silent, not caring to break in upon her happy delirium.
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