It was mellow Rhine wine, the gift of a merchant of Naples, that the doctor was saving for an extraordinary occasion.

She filled four glasses, and, raising hers, looked around her uncertainly.
"Where is the North ?..." The count pointed it out silently.

Then the lady continued raising her glass, with solemn slowness, as though offering a religious libation to the mysterious power hidden in the North, far, far away.

Kaledine imitated her with the same fervid manner.
Ulysses was going to raise the glass to his lips, wishing to hide a ripple of laughter provoked by the imposing lady's gravity.
"Do like the others," murmured Freya in his ear.
And the two quietly drank to his health with their eyes turned toward the North.
"Good luck to you, Captain!" said the doctor.

"You will return promptly and with all happiness, since you are working for such a just cause.