Her silence now at the direct question stirred new fears to life in his breast, like the beat of startled wings from a thicket in November.
Only the lights of the sailboat were visible now, but suddenly a girl's voice rose clear and sweet, singing to the accompaniment of guitar and mandolin.

The guitar throbbed; and on its deep chords the mandolin wove its melody.

The voice seemed to steal out of the heart of the night and float over the still waters.

The unseen singer never knew the mockery of the song she sang.

It was an old song and the air was one familiar the world round.