So intense was the silence that every now and then could be distinctly heard a call on one of the fishing-boats lying some distance from shore.

The town was no longer in sight.
It was close even here; what little breeze there was brushed the face like the warm wing of a passing bird.

Ida dipped her hands in the water and sprinkled it upon her forehead.

Then she took off her boots and stockings, and walked with her feet in the ripples.

A moment after she stopped, and looked all around, as if hesitating at some thought, and wishing to see that her solitude was secure.