The Romance of a Water-Lily. 133

 

 

 

would rather lose my body than my soul—I would
rather die than be false. I pray thee let me but go,
and gladly will I pay the price and lay down my life
within the year.”

The cloud parted and he saw her face once more,
and the wonder in it was great.

“Mortals are stranger than I thought,” said she,
“or else art thou not like other mortals. But if thou
wilt thou shalt go. I would not keep thee against
thy will.” And then ashade of haughtiness that had
clouded her face, vanishing with the pretty laugh of
her complete self-satisfaction, she added, “ But 1 am
not afraid. Long, long before the year is out, and
thou must die, thou wilt sigh for Nerina again. Then
wilt thou call on me, and I will forgive thee, for thou
art fairer than the sons of the fairies. But until thou
call will thy Nerina not appear to thee, and thou shalt
- be sad untilthou learn thatshe alone can givethee ease.”

And, as she spoke, the cloud that had been slowly
soaring seemed to stand still, and then as slowly to
descend.