I have led a strange life, Monsieur, and one that has known much of sadness.

There are times when I seek my own thoughts, and find liking for no other company.

Then I come here, and in some way the loneliness of water and plain soothe me as human speech cannot.

I used to love to stand yonder by the eastern wall and gaze out over the Great Lake, watching the green surges chase each other until they burst in spray along the beach.

But since I went adrift in the little boat, and felt the cruelty of the water, I have shrunk from looking out upon it.