Nay, Ludar, if it comes to that, I had as soon be under those waves as upon them." He looked at me in his strange solemn way.
"Friend," he said, "you are unhappy.

Was it always so, or is it because I, with a great happiness in me, see more than I once did?
Humphrey," added he, "that maiden has said to me that she loves me.

Can you credit it ?" I locked his hand in mine.

Would that I could show him to you as he stood there; his face ablaze with triumph, yet almost humbled with his good fortune.

Then, as he looked on me, the blaze softened into a look of pity.
"I am selfish," said he, "while you are far away from her you love.