But when she saw her island home receding from her, she began to realize the importance of the step she was taking.

She fixed her gaze on that part where the lonely cottage was embowered, and she had a longing to see even a little whiff of smoke from Tulee's kitchen.

But there was no sign of life save a large turkey-buzzard, like a black vulture, sailing gracefully over the tree-tops.

The beloved sister, the faithful servant, the brother from whom she had once hoped so much, the patient animal that had borne her through so many pleasant paths, the flowery woods, and the resounding sea, had all vanished from her as suddenly as did her father and the bright home of her childhood.
The scenes through which they were passing were beautiful as Paradise, and all nature seemed alive and jubilant.

The white blossoms of wild-plum-trees twinkled among dark evergreens, a vegetable imitation of starlight.