island, he told the story. After enjoying a moonlight swim at the foot
of the bluff, they were preparing to row over to Valcour when Honora's
glorious voice rang out from the farmhouse on the hill above, singing to
Mona's accompaniment. The two sat in delight. A full moon stood in the
sky, and radiance silvered the bosom of the lake, the mystic shores, the
far-off horizon. This singer was the voice of the night, whose mystic
beauty and voiceless feeling surged into the woman's song like waters
escaping through a ravine. Dillon was utterly oppressed by happiness.
When the song had ceased, he stretched out his arms towards her.

"Dearest and best of women! By God's grace I shall soon call you mine!"

Louis took up the oars and pulled with energy in the direction of
Valcour. "Is that the meaning of the look on your face since your
return?" said he.

"That's the meaning. I saw you all watching me in surprise. My mother
told me of it in her anxiety. If my face matched my feelings the moon
there would look sickly besides its brightness. I have been in jail for
five years, and to-day I am free."

"And how about that other woman ...?"

"Dead as far as I am concerned, the poor wretch! Yesterday I could curse
her. I pity her to-day. She has gone her way and I go mine. Monsignor
has declared me free. Isn't that enough?"

"That's enough," cried Louis, dropping the oars in his excitement. "But
is it enough to give you Honora? I'm so glad you think of her that way.
Mona told her only yesterday that some lover was pursuing her, not
mentioning your name. I assured her on the contrary that the road to the
convent would have no obstacles. And I rebuked Mona for her
interference."

"You were right, and she was right," said Arthur sadly. "I never dared
to show her my love, because I was not free. But now I shall declare it.
What did she think of Mona's remarks?"

"She took them lightly. I am afraid that your freedom comes at a poor
time, Arthur; that you may be too late. I have had many talks with her.
Her heart is set on the convent, she has fixed the date for September,
and she does not seem to have love in her mind at all."

"Love begets love. How could she think of love when I never gave any
sign, except what sharp-eyed Mona saw. You can conceal nothing from a
woman. Wait until I have wooed her ... but apart from all that you must
hear how I came to be free ... oh, my God, I can hardly believe it even
now after three days .