Thehourspassedmonotonously，whileintheimmeasurablyemptyregionsbeyondthelightslowlychangedtillitgrewlessunreal。Whatatfirsthadappearedalividgloaming，likeanorthernsummer'seve，becamenow，withoutanyintervening"darkhourbeforedawn，"somethinglikeasmilingmorn，reflectedbyallthefacetsoftheoceansinfading，roseate-edgedstreaks。
"Youreallyoughttomarry，Yann，"saidSylvestre，suddenlyandveryseriouslythistime，stilllookingintothewater。HeseemedtoknowsomebodyinBrittany，whohadallowedherselftobecaptivatedbythebrowneyesofhis"bigbrother，"buthefeltshyuponsosolemnasubject。
"Me!Lor'，yes，somedayIwillmarry。"Hesmiled，didthealwayscontemptuousYann，rollinghispassionateeyes。"ButI'llhavenoneofthelassesathome；no，I'llwedthesea，andIinviteyeallinthebarkeynow，totheballI'llgiveatmywedding。"
Theykeptonhaulingin，fortheirtimecouldnotbelostinchatting；
theyhadanimmensequantityoffishinatravelingshoal，whichhadnotceasedpassingforthelasttwodays。
Theyhadbeenupallnight，andinthirtyhourshadcaughtmorethanathousandprimecods；sothateventheirstrongarmsweretiredandtheywerehalfasleep。Buttheirbodiesremainedactiveandtheycontinuedtheirtoil，thoughoccasionallytheirmindsfloatedoffintoregionsofprofoundsleep。Butthefreeairtheybreathedwasaspureasthatofthefirstyoungdaysoftheworld，andsobracing，thatnotwithstandingtheirwearinesstheyfelttheirchestsexpandandtheircheeksglowasatarising。
Morning，thetruemorninglight，atlengthcame；asinthedaysofGenesis，ithad"dividedfromthedarkness，"whichhadsettleduponthehorizonandrestedthereingreatheavymasses；andbytheclearnessofvisionnow，itwasseennighthadpassed，andthatthatfirstvaguestrangeglimmerwasonlyaforerunner。Inthethickly-
veiledheavens，brokeoutrentshereandthere，likesideskylightsinadome，throughwhichpiercedgloriousraysoflight，silverandrosy。
Thelower-lyingcloudsweregroupedroundinabeltofintenseshadow，encirclingthewatersandscreeningthefar-offdistanceindarkness。
Theyhintedasofaspaceinaboundary；theywereascurtainsveilingtheinfinite，orasdraperiesdrawntohidethetoomajesticmysteries，whichwouldhaveperturbedtheimaginationofmortals。
Onthisspecialmorning，aroundthesmallplankplatformoccupiedbyYannandSylvestre，theshiftingouterworldhadanappearanceofdeepmeditation，asthoughthiswereanaltarrecentlyraised；andthesheavesofsun-rays，whichdartedlikearrowsunderthesacredarch，spreadinalongglimmeringstreamoverthemotionlesswaves，asoveramarblefloor。Then，slowlyandmoreslowlyyetloomedstillanotherwonder；ahigh，majestic，pinkprofile——itwasapromontoryofgloomyIceland。
Yann'sweddingwiththesea？Sylvestrewasstillthinkingofit——afterresuminghisfishingwithoutdaringtosayanythingmore。Hehadfeltquitesadwhenhisbigbrotherhadsoturnedtheholysacramentofmarriageintoridicule；anditparticularlyhadfrightenedhim，ashewassuperstitious。
Forsolong，too，hehadmusedonYann'smarriage!HehadthoughtthatitmighttakeplacewithGaudMevel，ablondelassfromPaimpol；andthathewouldhavethehappinessofbeingpresentatthemarriage-
feastbeforestartingforthenavy，thatlongfiveyears'exile，withitsdubiousreturn，thethoughtofwhichalreadypluckedathisheart-
strings。
Fouro'clockinthemorningnow。Thewatchbelowcameup，allthree，torelievetheothers。Stillrathersleepy，drinkinginchestfulsofthefresh，chillair，theysteppedup，drawingtheirlongsea-bootshigher，andhavingtoshuttheireyes，dazzledatfirstbyalightsopale，yetinsuchabundance。
YannandSylvestretooktheirbreakfastofbiscuits，whichtheyhadtobreakwithamallet，andbegantomunchnoisily，laughingattheirbeingsoveryhard。Theyhadbecomequitemerryagainattheideaofgoingdowntosleep，snuglyandwarmlyintheirberths；andclaspingeachotherroundthewaisttheydanceduptothehatchwaytoanoldsong-tune。
BeforedisappearingthroughtheaperturetheystoppedtoplaywithTurc，theship'sdog，ayoungNewfoundlandwithgreatclumsypaws。
Theysparredathim，andhepretendedtobitethemlikeayoungwolf，untilhebittoohardandhurtthem，whereuponYann，withafrownandangerinhisquick-changingeyes，pushedhimasidewithanimpatientblowthatsenthimflyingandmadehimhowl。Yannhadakindheartenough，buthisnatureremainedratheruntamed，andwhenhisphysicalbeingwastouched，atendercaresswasoftenmorelikeamanifestationofbrutalviolence。
CHAPTERII
ICELANDERS
Theirsmackwasnamed/LaMarie/，andhermasterwasCaptainGuermeur。
Everyyearshesetsailforthebigdangerousfisheries，inthefrigidregionswherethesummershavenonight。Shewasaveryoldship，asoldasthestatuetteofherpatronsaintitself。Herheavy，oakenplankswereroughandworn，impregnatedwithoozeandbrine，butstillstrongandstout，andsmellingstronglyoftar。Atanchorshelookedanoldunwieldytubfromhersomassivebuild，butwhenblewthemightywesterngales，herlightnessreturned，likeasea-gullawakenedbythewind。Thenshehadherownstyleoftumblingovertherollers，andreboundingmorelightlythanmanynewerones，launchedwithallyournewfangles。
Asforthecrewofsixmenandtheboy，theywere"Icelanders，"thevaliantraceofseafarerswhosehomesareatPaimpolandTreguier，andwhofromfathertosonaredestinedforthecodfisheries。
TheyhardlyeverhadseenasummerinFrance。Attheendofeachwinterthey，withotherfishers，receivedthepartingblessingintheharbourofPaimpol。Andforthatfete-dayanaltar，alwaysthesame，andimitatingarockygrotto，waserectedonthequay；andoverit，inthemidstofanchors，oarsandnets，wasenthronedtheVirginMary，calm，andbeamingwithaffection，thepatronessofsailors；shewouldbebroughtfromherchapelfortheoccasion，andhadlookedupongenerationaftergenerationwithhersamelifelesseyes，blessingthehappyforwhomtheseasonwouldbelucky，andtheotherswhonevermorewouldreturn。
TheHost，followedbyaslowprocessionofwives，mothers，sweethearts，andsisters，wasborneroundtheharbour，wheretheboatsboundforIceland，bedeckedinallcolours，saluteditonitsway。Thepriesthaltedbeforeeach，givingthemhisholyblessing；andthenthefleetstarted，leavingthecountrydesolateofhusbands，lovers，andsons；andastheshoresfadedfromtheirview，thecrewssangtogetherinlow，fullvoices，thehymnssacredto"theStaroftheOcean。"Andeveryyearsawthesameceremonies，andheardthesamegood-byes。
Thenbeganthelifeoutupontheopensea，inthesolitudeofthreeorfourroughcompanions，onthemovingthinplanksinthemidstoftheseethingwatersofthenorthernseas。
Untilnow/LaMarie/followedthecustomofmanyIcelanders，whichismerelytotouchatPaimpol，andthentosaildowntotheGulfofGascony，wherefishfetcheshighprices，orfartherontotheSandyIsles，withtheirsaltyswamps，wheretheybuythesaltforthenextexpedition。Thecrewsoflustyfellowsstayafewdaysinthesouthern，sun-kissedharbour-towns，intoxicatedbythelastraysofsummer，bythesweetnessofthebalmyair，andbythedownrightjollityofyouth。
WiththemistsofautumntheyreturnhometoPaimpol，ortothescatteredhutsofthelandofGoelo，toremainsometimeintheirfamilies，inthemidstoflove，marriages，andbirths。Veryoftentheyfindunseenbabiesupontheirreturn，waitingforgodfatherseretheycanbebaptized，formanychildrenareneededtokeepupthisraceoffishermen，whichtheIcelandicMolochdevours。
CHAPTERIII
THEWOMENATHOME
AtPaimpol，onefineeveningofthissameyear，uponaSundayinJune，twowomenweredeeplybusyinwritingaletter。Thistookplacebeforealargeopenwindow，witharowofflowerpotsonitsheavyoldgranitesill。
Aswellascouldbeseenfromtheirbendingoverthetable，bothwereyoung。Onceworeaverylargeold-fashionedcap；theotherquiteasmallone，inthenewstyleadoptedbythewomenofPaimpol。TheymighthavebeentakenfortwolovinglasseswritingatendermissivetosomehandsomeIcelander。
Theonewhodictated——theonewiththelargehead-dress——drewupherhead，wool-gathering。Oh，shewasold，veryold，notwithstandingherlookfrombehind，inhersmallbrownshawl——wemeandownrightold。A
sweetoldgranny，seventyatleast。Verypretty，though，andstillfresh-coloured，withtherosycheekssomeoldpeoplehave。Her/coiffe/wasdrawnlowupontheforeheadanduponthetopofthehead，wascomposedoftwoorthreelargerollsofmuslinthatseemedtotelescopeoutofoneanother，andfellontothenape。Hervenerableface，framedinthepurewhitepleats，hadalmostaman'slook，whilehersoft，tendereyesworeakindlyexpression。Shehadnotthevestigeofatoothleft，andwhenshelaughedsheshowedherroundgums，whichhadstillthefreshnessofyouth。
Althoughherchinhadbecomeaspointed"asthetoeofa/sabot/"asshewasinthehabitofsaying，herprofilewasnotspoiledbytime；
anditwaseasilyimaginedthatinheryouthithadbeenregularandpure，likethesaints'adorningachurch。
Shelookedthroughthewindow，tryingtothinkofnewsthatmightamusehergrandsonatsea。ThereexistednotinthewholecountryofPaimpolanotherdearoldbodylikeher，toinventsuchfunnystoriesuponeverybody，andevenuponnothing。Alreadyinthislettertherewerethreeorfourmerrytales，butwithouttheslightestmischief，forshehadnothingill-naturedabouther。
Theotherwoman，findingthattheideasweregettingscarce，begantowritetheaddresscarefully:
"TOMONSIEURMOAN，SYLVESTRE，ABOARDTHE/MARIE/，c/oCAPTAINGUERMEUR，INTHESEAOFICELAND，NEARRYKAWYK。"
Heresheliftedherheadtoask:"Isthatall，GrannyMoan？"
Thequeristwasyoung，adorablyyoung，agirloftwentyinfact；veryfair——ararecomplexioninthiscornerofBrittany，wheretheracerunsswarthy——veryfair，wesay，withgreatgreyeyesbetweenalmostblacklashes；herbrows，asfairasthehair，seemedasiftheyhadadarkerstreakintheirmidst，whichgaveawonderfulexpressionofstrengthandwilltothebeautifulface。Therathershortprofilewasverydignified，thenosecontinuingthelineofthebrowwithabsoluterectitude，asinaGreekstatue。Adeepdimpleunderthelowerlipfoileditupdelightfully；andfromtimetotime，whenshewasabsorbedbyaparticularidea，shebitthislowerlipwithherwhiteupperteeth，makingthebloodrunintinyredveinsunderthedelicateskin。Inhersuppleformtherewasnolittlepride，withgravityalso，whichsheinheritedfromtheboldIcelandicsailors，herancestors。
Theexpressionofhereyeswasbothsteadyandgentle。
Hercapwasintheshapeofacockle-shell，wornlowonthebrow，anddrawnbackoneitherside，showingthicktressesofhairabouttheears，ahead-dressthathasremainedfromremotetimesandgivesquiteanoldenlooktothewomenofPaimpol。
Onefeltinstinctivelythatshehadbeenreareddifferentlythanthepooroldwomantowhomshegavethenameofgrandmother，butwhoisrealitywasbutadistantgreat-aunt。
ShewasthedaughterofM。Mevel，aformerIcelander，abitofafreebooter，whohadmadeafortunebyboldundertakingsoutatsea。
Thefineroomwheretheletterhadbeenjustwrittenwashers；anewbed，suchastownspeoplehave，withmuslinlace-edgedcurtains，andonthestonewallsalight-colouredpaper，toningdowntheirregularitiesofthegranite；overheadacoatingofwhitewashcoveredthegreatbeamsthatrevealedtheantiquityoftheabode；itwasthehomeofwell-to-dofolk，andthewindowslookedoutupontheoldgraymarket-
placeofPaimpol，wherethe/pardons/areheld。
"Isitdone，GrannyYvonne？Haveyounothingelsetotellhim？"
"No，mylass，onlyIwouldlikeyoutoaddawordofgreetingtoyoungGaos。"
"YoungGaos"wasotherwisecalledYann。Theproudbeautifulgirlhadblushedveryredwhenshewrotethosewords。Andassoonastheywereaddedatthebottomofthepage，inarunninghand，sheroseandturnedherheadasideasiftolookatsomeveryinterestingobjectoutonthemarket-place。
Standing，shewasrathertall；herwaistwasmodelledinaclingingbodice，asperfectlyfittingasthatofafashionabledame。Inspiteofhercap，shelookedlikeareallady。Evenherhands，withoutbeingconventionallysmall，werewhiteanddelicate，neverhavingtouchedroughwork。
True，shehadbeenatfirstlittle/Gaud/Daisy，paddlingbare-
footedinthewater，motherless，almostwhollyneglectedduringtheseasonofthefisheries，whichherfatherspentinIceland；apretty，untidy，obstinategirl，butgrowingvigorousandstronginthebracingsea-breeze。Inthosedaysshehadbeensheltered，duringthefinesummers，bypoorGrannyMoan，whousedtogiveherSylvestretomindduringherdaysofhardworkinPaimpol。Gaudfelttheadorationofayoungmotherforthechildconfidedtohertendercare。Shewashiselderbyabouteighteenmonths。Hewasasdarkasshewasfair，asobedientandcaressingasshewashastyandcapricious。Shewellrememberedthatpartofherlife；neitherwealthnortownlifehadalteredit；andlikeafar-offdreamofwildfreedomitcamebacktoher，orastheremembranceofanundefinedandmysteriouspreviousexistence，wherethesandyshoresseemedlonger，andthecliffshigherandnobler。
Towardstheageoffiveorsix，whichseemedlongagotoher，wealthhadbefallenherfather，whobegantobuyandsellthecargoesofships。ShehadbeentakentoSaint-Brieuc，andlatertoParis。Andfrom/lapetiteGaud/shehadbecomeMademoiselleMarguerite，tallandserious，withearnesteyes。Alwayslefttoherself，inanotherkindofsolitudethanthatoftheBretoncoast，shestillretainedtheobstinatenatureofherchildhood。
Livinginlargetowns，herdresshadbecomemoremodifiedthanherself。Althoughshestillworethe/coiffe/thatBretonwomendiscardsoseldom，shehadlearnedtodressherselfinanotherway。
EveryyearshehadreturnedtoBrittanywithherfather——inthesummeronly，likeafashionable，comingtobatheinthesea——andlivedagaininthemidstofoldmemories，delightedtohearherselfcalledGaud，rathercurioustoseetheIcelandersofwhomsomuchwassaid，whowereneverathome，andofwhom，eachyear，someweremissing；onallsidessheheardthenameofIceland，whichappearedtoherasadistantinsatiableabyss。Andthere，now，wasthemansheloved!
Onefinedayshehadreturnedtoliveinthemidstofthesefishers，throughawhimofherfather，whohadwishedtoendhisdaysthere，andlivelikealandsmaninthemarket-placeofPaimpol。
Thegoodolddame，poorbuttidy，leftGaudwithcordialthanksassoonastheletterhadbeenreadagainandtheenvelopeclosed。Shelivedratherfaraway，attheotherendofPloubazlanec，inahamletonthecoast，inthesamecottagewhereshefirsthadseenthelightofday，andwherehersonsandgrandsonshadbeenborn。Inthetown，asshepassedalong，sheansweredmanyfriendlynods；shewasoneoftheoldestinhabitantsofthecountry，thelastofaworthyandhighlyesteemedfamily。
Withgreatcareandgoodmanagementshemanagedtoappearprettywelldressed，althoughhergownsweremuchdarned，andhardlyheldtogether。ShealwaysworethetinybrownPaimpolshawl，whichwasforbest，anduponwhichthelongmuslinrollsofherwhitecapshadfallenforpastsixtyyears；herownmarriageshawl，formerlyblue，hadbeendyedfortheweddingofhersonPierre，andsincethenwornonlyonSundays，lookedquitenice。
Shestillcarriedherselfverystraight，notatalllikeanoldwoman；
and，inspiteofherpointedchin，hersofteyesanddelicateprofilemadeallthinkherstillverycharming。Shewasheldingreatrespect——onecouldseethatifonlybythenodsthatpeoplegaveher。
Onherwayshepassedbeforethehouseofhergallant，thesweetheartofformerdays，acarpenterbytrade；nowanoctogenarian，whosatoutsidehisdoorallthelivelongday，whiletheyoungones，hissons，workedintheshop。Itwassaidthatheneverhadconsoledhimselfforherloss，forneitherinfirstorsecondmarriagewouldshehavehim；
butwitholdagehisfeelingforherhadbecomeasortofcomicalspite，halffriendlyandhalfmischievous，andhealwayscalledouttoher:
"Aha，/labelle/，whenmustIcalltotakeyourmeasure？"
Butshedeclinedwiththanks；shehadnotyetquitedecidedtohavethatdressmade。Thetruthis，thattheoldman，withratherquestionabletaste，spokeofthesuitindealplanks，whichisthelastofallourterrestrialgarments。
"Well，wheneveryoulike；butdon'tbeshyinaskingforit，youknow，oldlady。"
Hehadmadethisjokeseveraltimes；but，to-day，shecouldscarcelytakeitgood-naturedly。Shefeltmoretiredthaneverofherhard-
workinglife，andherthoughtsflewbacktoherdeargrandson——thelastofthemall，who，uponhisreturnfromIceland，wastoenterthenavyforfiveyears!PerhapshemighthavetogotoChina，tothewar!
Wouldshestillbeabout，uponhisreturn？Thethoughtalonewasagonytoher。No，shewassurelynotsohappyasshelooked，pooroldgranny!
Andwasitreallypossibleandtrue，thatherlastdarlingwastobetornfromher？She，perhaps，mightdiealone，withoutseeinghimagain!Certainly，somegentlemenofthetown，whomsheknew，haddonealltheycouldtokeephimfromhavingtostart，urgingthathewasthesolesupportofanoldandalmostdestitutegrandmother，whocouldnolongerwork。Buttheyhadnotsucceeded——becauseofJeanMoan，thedeserter，anelderbrotherofSylvestre's，whomnooneinthefamilyevermentionednow，butwhostilllivedsomewhereoverinAmerica，thusdeprivinghisyoungerbrotherofthemilitaryexemption。
Moreover，ithadbeenobjectedthatshehadhersmallpension，allowedtothewidowsofsailors，andtheAdmiraltycouldnotdeemherpoorenough。
Whenshereturnedhome，shesaidherprayersatlengthforallherdeadones，sonsandgrandsons；thensheprayedagainwithrenewedstrengthandconfidenceforherSylvestre，andtriedtosleep——
thinkingofthe"suitofwood，"herheartsadlyachingatthethoughtofbeingsoold，whenthisnewpartingwasimminent。
Meanwhile，theothervictimofseparation，thegirl，hadremainedseatedatherwindow，gazinguponthegoldenraysofthesettingsun，reflectedonthegranitewalls，andtheblackswallowswheelingacrosstheskyabove。PaimpolwasalwaysquietontheselongMayevenings，evenonSundays；thelasses，whohadnotasingleladtomakelovetothem，saunteredalong，incouplesorthreetogether，broodingoftheirloversinIceland。
"AwordofgreetingtoyoungGaos!"Shehadbeengreatlyaffectedinwritingthatsentence，andthatname，whichnowshecouldnotforget。
Sheoftenspenthereveningshereatthewindow，likeagrandlady。
Herfatherdidnotapproveofherwalkingwiththeothergirlsofherage，whohadbeenherearlyplaymates。Andasheleftthecafe，andwalkedupanddown，smokinghispipewitholdseamenlikehimself，hewashappytolookupathisdaughteramongherflowers，inhisgrandhouse。
"YoungGaos!"Againstherwillshegazedseaward；itcouldnotbeseen，butshefeltitwasnigh，attheendofthetinystreetcrowdedwithfishermen。Andherthoughtstravelledthroughafascinatinganddelightfulinfinite，far，farawaytothenorthernseas，where"/LaMarie/，CaptainGuermeur，"wassailing。AstrangemanwasyoungGaos!
retiringandalmostincomprehensiblenow，afterhavingcomeforwardsoaudaciously，yetsolovingly。
Inherlongreverie，sherememberedherreturntoBrittany，whichhadtakenplacetheyearbefore。OneDecembermorningafteranightoftravelling，thetrainfromParishaddepositedherfatherandherselfatGuingamp。Itwasadamp，foggymorning，coldandalmostdark。Shehadbeenseizedwithapreviouslyunknownfeeling；shecouldscarcelyrecognisethequaintlittletown，whichshehadonlyseenduringthesummer——oh，thatgladoldtime，thedearoldtimesofthepast!Thissilence，afterParis!Thisquietlifeofpeople，whoseemedofanotherworld，goingabouttheirsimplebusinessinthemistymorning。Butthesombregranitehouses，withtheirdark，dampwalls，andtheBretoncharmuponallthings，
whichfascinatedhernowthatshelovedYann，hadseemedparticularlysaddeninguponthatmorning。Earlyhousewiveswerealreadyopeningtheirdoors，andasshepassedshecouldglanceintotheold-fashionedhouses，withtheirtallchimney-pieces，wheresattheoldgrandmothers，intheirwhitecaps，quietanddignified。Assoonasdaylighthadbeguntoappear，shehadenteredthechurchtosayherprayers，andthegrandoldaislehadappearedimmenseandshadowytoher——quitedifferentfromalltheParisianchurches——withitsroughpillarswornatthebasebythechafingofcenturies，anditsdamp，earthysmellofageandsaltpetre。
Inadamprecess，behindthecolumns，ataperwasburning，beforewhichkneltawoman，makingavow；thedimflameseemedlostinthevaguenessofthearches。Gaudexperiencedtherethefeelingofalong-
forgottenimpression:thatkindofsadnessandfearthatshehadfeltwhenquiteyoungatbeingtakentomassatPaimpolChurchonraw，wintrymornings。
ButshehardlyregrettedParis，althoughthereweremanysplendidandamusingsightsthere。Inthefirstplaceshefeltalmostcrampedfromhavingthebloodofthevikingsinherveins。Andthen，inParis，shefeltlikeastrangerandanintruder。The/Parisiennes/weretight-
laced，artificialwomen，whohadapeculiarwayofwalking；andGaudwastoointelligenteventohaveattemptedtoimitatethem。Inherhead-dress，orderedeveryyearfromthemakerinPaimpol，shefeltoutofherelementinthecapital；anddidnotunderstandthatifthewayfarersturnedroundtolookather，itwasonlybecauseshemadeaverycharmingpicture。
SomeoftheseParisianladiesquitewonherbytheirhigh-bredanddistinguishedmanners，butsheknewthemtobeinaccessibletoher，whilefromothersofalowercastewhowouldhavebeengladtomakefriendswithher，shekeptproudlyaloof，judgingthemunworthyofherattention。Thusshehadlivedalmostwithoutfriends，withoutothersocietythanherfather's，whowasengagedinbusinessandoftenaway。
Soshedidnotregretthatlifeofestrangementandsolitude。
But，nonetheless，onthatdayofarrivalshehadbeenpainfullysurprisedbythebitternessofthisBrittany，seeninfullwinter。Andherheartsickenedatthethoughtofhavingtotravelanotherfiveorsixhoursinajoltingcar——topenetratestillfartherintotheblank，desolatecountrytoreachPaimpol。
Allthroughtheafternoonofthatsamegrislyday，herfatherandherselfhadjourneyedinalittleoldramshacklevehicle，opentoallthewinds；passing，withthefallingnight，throughdullvillages，underghostlytrees，black-pearledwithmistindrops。Anderelonglanternshadtobelit，andshecouldperceivenothingelsebutwhatseemedtwotrailsofgreenBengallights，runningoneachsidebeforethehorses，andwhichweremerelythebeamsthatthetwolanternsprojectedonthenever-endinghedgesoftheroadway。ButhowwasitthattreesweresogreeninthemonthofDecember？Astonishedatfirst，shebenttolookout，andthensherememberedhowthegorse，theevergreengorseofthepathsandthecliffs，neverfadesinthecountryofPaimpol。Atthesametimeawarmerbreezebegantoblow，whichsheknewagainandwhichsmeltofthesea。
Towardstheendofthejourneyshehadbeenquiteawakenedandamusedbythenewnotionthatstruckher，namely:"Asthisiswinter，IshallseethefamousfishermenofIceland。"
ForinDecembertheyweretoreturn，thebrothers，cousins，andloversofwhomallherfriends，greatandsmall，hadspokentoherduringthelongsummereveningwalksinherholidaytrips。Andthethoughthadhauntedher，thoughshefeltchilledintheslow-goingvehicle。
Nowshehadseenthem，andherhearthadbeencapturedbyoneofthemtoo。
CHAPTERIV
FIRSTLOVE
Thefirstdayshehadseenhim，thisYann，wasthedayafterhisarrival，atthe"/PardondesIslandais/，"whichisontheeighthofDecember，thefete-dayofOurLadyofBonne-Nouvelle，thepatronessoffishers——alittlebeforetheprocession，withthegraystreets，stilldrapedinwhitesheets，onwhichwerestrewnivyandhollyandwintryblossomswiththeirleaves。
Atthis/Pardon/therejoicingwasheavyandwildunderthesadsky。
Joywithoutmerriment，composedchieflyofinsoucianceandcontempt；
ofphysicalstrengthandalcohol；abovewhichfloated，lessdisguisedthanelsewhere，theuniversalwarningofdeath。
AgreatclamourinPaimpol；soundsofbellsmingledwiththechantsofthepriests。Roughandmonotonoussongsinthetaverns——oldsailorlullabies——songsofwoe，arisenfromthesea，drawnfromthedeepnightofbygoneages。Groupsofsailors，arm-in-arm，zigzaggingthroughthestreets，fromtheirhabitofrolling，andbecausetheywerehalf-drunk。Groupsofgirlsintheirnun-likewhitecaps。Oldgranitehousesshelteringtheseseethingcrowds；antiquatedroofstellingoftheirstruggles，throughmanycenturies，againstthewesternwinds，themist，andtherain；andrelating，too，manystoriesofloveandadventurethathadpassedundertheirprotection。
Andfloatingoverallwasadeepreligioussentiment，afeelingofbygonedays，withrespectforancientvenerationandthesymbolsthatprotectit，andforthewhite，immaculateVirgin。Sidebysidewiththetavernsrosethechurch，itsdeepsombreportalsthrownopen，andstepsstrewnwithflowers，withitsperfumeofincense，itslightedtapers，andthevotiveofferingsofsailorshungalloverthesacredarch。Andsidebysidealsowiththehappygirlswerethesweetheartsofdeadsailors，andthewidowsoftheshipwreckedfishers，quittingthechapelofthedeadintheirlongmourningshawlsandtheirsmoothtiny/coiffes/；witheyesdownwardbent，noiselesslytheypassedthroughthemidstofthisclamouringlife，likeasombrewarning。Andclosetoallwastheeverlastingsea，thehugenurseanddevourerofthesevigorousgenerations，becomefierceandagitatedasiftotakepartinthefete。
Gaudhadbutaconfusedimpressionofallthesethingstogether。
Excitedandmerry，yetwithherheartaching，shefeltasortofanguishseizeherattheideathatthiscountryhadnowbecomeherownagain。Onthemarket-place，wherethereweregamesandacrobats，shewalkedupanddownwithherfriends，whonamedandpointedouttoherfromtimetotimetheyoungmenofPaimpolorPloubazlanec。Agroupofthese"Icelanders"werestandingbeforethesingersof"/complaintes/，"songsofwoewiththeirbacksturnedtowardsthem。
AnddirectlyGaudwasstruckwithoneofthem，tallasagiant，withhugeshouldersalmosttoobroad；butshehadsimplysaid，perhapswithatouchofmockery:"Thereisonewhoistall，tosaytheleast!"Andthesentenceimpliedbeneaththiswas:"Whatanincumbrancehe'llbetothewomanhemarries，ahusbandofthatsize!"
Hehadturnedroundasifhehadheardher，andhadgivenheraquickglancefromtoptotoe，seemingtosay:"Whoisthisgirlwhowearsthe/coiffe/ofPaimpol，whoissoelegant，andwhomIneverhaveseenbefore？"
Andhequicklybenthiseyestothegroundforpoliteness'sake，andhadappearedtotakearenewedinterestinthesingers，onlyshowingthebackofhisheadandhisblackhairthatfellinratherlongcurlsuponhisneck。Andalthoughshehadaskedthenamesofseveralothers，shehadnotdaredaskhis。Thefineprofile，thegrandhalf-savagelook，thebrown，almosttawnypupilsmovingrapidlyonthebluishopaloftheeyes；allthishadimpressedherandmadehertimid。
Anditjusthappenedtobethat"FilsGaos，"ofwhomshehadheardtheMoansspeakasagreatfriendofSylvestre's。Ontheeveningofthissame/Pardon/，Sylvestreandhe，walkingarm-in-arm，hadcrossedherfatherandherself，andhadstoppedtowishthemgood-day。
AndyoungSylvestrehadbecomeagaintoherasasortofbrother。Astheywerecousinstheyhadcontinuedto/tutoyer/usingthouforyou，asignoffamiliarityeachother；true，shehadatfirsthesitateddoingsotothisgreatboyofseventeen，whoalreadyworeablackbeard，butashiskind，soft，childisheyeshadhardlychangedatall，sherecognizedhimsoonenoughtoimaginethatshehadneverlostsightofhim。
WhenheusedtocomeintoPaimpol，shekepthimtodinnerofanevening；itwaswithoutconsequencetoher，andhealwayshadaverygoodappetite，beingonrathershortrationsathome。
Tospeaktruly，Yannhadnotbeenverypolitetoheratthisfirstmeeting，whichtookplaceatthecornerofatinygraystreet，strewnwithgreenbranches。Hehadraisedhishattoher，withanoblethoughtimidgesture；andafterhavinggivenheranever-rapidglance，turnedhiseyesaway，asifhewerevexedwiththismeetingandinahurrytogo。Astrongwesternbreezethathadarisenduringtheprocession，hadscatteredbranchesofboxeverywhereandloadedtheskywithdarkgraydraperies。
Gaud，inherdreamlandofremembrances，sawallthisclearlyagain；
thesadgloamingfallingupontheremainsofthe/Pardon/；thesheetsstrewnwithwhiteflowersfloatinginthewindalongthewalls；thenoisygroupsofIcelanders，otherwaifsofthegalesandtempestsflockingintothetaverns，singingtocheerthemselvesunderthegloomofthecomingrain；andaboveall，Gaudrememberedthegiantstandinginfrontofher，turningasideasifannoyed，andtroubledathavingmether。
Whatawonderfulchangehadcomeoverhersincethen；andwhatadifferencetherewasbetweenthathubbubandthepresenttranquility!
HowquietandemptyPaimpolseemedto-nightinthewarmlongtwilightofMay，whichkeptherstillatherwindowalone，lulledinherlove'syoungdream!
CHAPTERV
THESECONDMEETING
Theirsecondmeetingwasatawedding-feast。YoungGaoshadbeenchosentoofferherhisarm。Atfirstshehadbeenrathervexed，notlikingtheideaofstrollingthroughthestreetswiththistallfellow，whomeverybodywouldstareat，onaccountofhisexcessiveheight，andwho，mostprobably，wouldnotknowwhattospeaktoherabout。Besides，hereallyfrightenedherwithhiswild，loftylook。
AttheappointedhourallwereassembledfortheweddingprocessionsaveYann，whohadnotappeared。Timepassed，yethedidnotcome，andtheytalkedofgivingupanyfurtherwaitingforhim。Thenitwasshediscoveredthatitwasforhispleasure，andhisalone，thatshehaddonnedherbestdress；withanyotheroftheyoungmenpresentattheball，theevening'senjoymentwouldbespoiled。
Atlasthearrived，inhisbestclothesalso，apologizing，withoutanyembarrassment，tothebride'sparty。Theexcusewas，thatsomeimportantshoalsoffish，notatallexpected，hadbeentelegraphedfromEngland，asboundtopassthatnightalittleoffAurigny；andsoalltheboatsofPloubazlanechastilyhadsetsail。Therewasgreatexcitementinthevillages，womenrushingabouttofindtheirhusbandsandurgingthemtoputoffquickly，andstrugglinghardthemselvestohoistthesailsandhelpinthelaunching；infact，aregular"turnout"throughouttheplaces，thoughinthemidstofthecompanyYannrelatedthisverysimply；hehadbeenobligedtolookoutforasubstituteandwarranthimtotheowneroftheboattowhichhebelongedforthewinterseason。Itwasthisthathadcausedhimtobelate，andinordernottomissthewedding，hehad"turnedup"
abandonedhisshareintheprofitsofthecatch。Hispleawasperfectlywellunderstoodbyhishearers，noonethinkingofblaminghim；forwellallknowthat，inthiscoastlife，allaremoreorlessdependentupontheunforeseeneventsatsea，andthemysteriousmigrationsofthefishyregions。TheotherIcelandespresentweredisappointedatnothavingbeenwarnedintime，likethefishersofPloubazlanec，ofthefortunethatwasskirtingtheirveryshores。
Butitwastoolatenow，worseluck!Sotheygavetheirarmstothelasses，theviolinsbegantoplay，andjoyouslytheyalltrampedout。
AtfirstYannhadonlypaidherafewinnocentcompliments，suchasfalltoachancepartnermetatawedding，andofwhomoneknowsbutlittle。Amidstallthecouplesintheprocession，theyformedtheonlyoneofstrangers，theotherswereallrelativesorsweethearts。
Butduringtheeveningwhilethedancingwasgoingon，thetalkbetweenthemhadagainturnedtothesubjectofthefish，andlookingherstraightintheeyes，heroughlysaidtoher:
"YouaretheonlypersonaboutPaimpol，andevenintheworld，forwhomIwouldhavemissedawindfall；truly，fornobodyelsewouldI
havecomebackfrommyfishing，MademoiselleGaud。"
Atfirstshewasratherastonishedthatthisfishermanshoulddaresotoaddressherwhohadcometothisballratherlikeayoungqueen，butthendelighted，shehadendedbyanswering:
"Thankyou，MonsieurYann；andI，too，wouldratherbewithyouthanwithanybodyelse。"
Thatwasall。Butfromthatmomentuntiltheendofthedancing，theykeptonchattinginadifferenttonethanbefore，lowandsoft-voiced。
Thedancingwastothesoundofahurdy-gurdyandviolin，thesamecouplesalmostalwaystogether。WhenYannreturnedtoinviteheragain，afterhavingdancedwithanothergirlforpoliteness'sake，theyexchangedasmile，likefriendsmeetinganew，andcontinuedtheirinterruptedconversation，whichhadbecomeveryclose。Simplyenough，Yannspokeofhisfisherlife，itshardships，itswage，andofhisparents'difficultiesinformeryears，whentheyhadfourteenlittleGaosestobringup，hebeingtheeldest。Now，theoldfolkswereoutofthereachofneed，becauseofawreckthattheirfatherhadfoundintheChannel，thesaleofwhichhadbroughtin10，000francs，omittingtheshareclaimedbytheTreasury。Withthemoneytheybuiltanupperstorytotheirhouse，whichwassituatedatthepointofPloubazlanec，attheveryland'send，inthehamletofPors-Even，overlookingthesea，andhavingagrandoutlook。
"Itismightytough，though，"saidhe，"thisherelifeofanIcelander，havingtostartinFebruaryforsuchacountry，whereitisawfulcoldandbleak，witharaging，foamingsea。"
Gaudrememberedeveryphraseoftheirconversationattheball，asifithadallhappenedyesterday，anddetailscameregularlybacktohermind，asshelookeduponthenightfallingoverPaimpol。IfYannhadhadnoideaofmarriage，whyhadhetoldheralltheitemsofhisexistence，towhichshehadlistened，asonlyanengagedsweetheartwouldhavedone；hedidnotseemacommonplaceyoungman，pronetobabblinghisbusinesstoeverybodywhocamealong。
"Theoccupationisprettygood，nevertheless，"hesaid，"andIshallneverchangemycareer。Someyearswemakeeighthundredfrancs，andotherstwelvehundred，whichIgetuponmyreturn，andhandovertotheoldlady。"
"Toyourmother，MonsieurYann，eh？"
"Yes，everypennyofit，always。It'sthecustomwithusIcelanders，MademoiselleGaud。"Hespokeofthisasaquiteordinaryandnaturalcourse。
"Perhapsyou'llhardlybelieveit，butIscarcelyeverhaveanypocket-money。OfaSundaymothergivesmealittlewhenIcomeintoPaimpol。Andsoitgoesallthetime。Why，look'eehere，thisyearmyfatherhadtheseclothesmadeforme，withoutwhichtreatInevercouldhavecometothewedding；certainsure，forInevershouldhavedaredofferyoumyarminmyolddudsoflastyear。"
Foronelikeher，accustomedtoseeingParisians，Yann'shabilimentswere，perhaps，notverystylish；ashortjacketopenovertheold-
fashionedwaistcoat；butthebuildoftheirwearerwasirreproachablyhandsome，sothathehadanoblelookwithal。
Smiling，helookedatherstraightinthedepthsofhereyeseachtimehespoketoher，soastodivineheropinion。Andhowgoodandhonestwashislook，ashetoldheralltheseshort-comings，sothatshemightwellunderstandthathewasnotrich!
Andshesmiledalso，asshegazedathimfullintheface；answeringseldom，butlisteningwithherwholesoul，moreandmoreastonishedandmoreandmoredrawntowardshim。Whatamixtureofuntamedroughnessandcaressingchildishnesshewas!Hisearnestvoice，shortandblunttowardsothers，becamesofterandmoreandmoretenderashespoketoher；andforheraloneheknewhowtomakeittrillwithextremesweetness，likethemusicofastringedinstrumentwiththemuteuponit。
Whatasingularandastonishingfactitwastoseethismanofbrawn，withhisfreeairandforbiddingaspect，alwaystreatedbyhisfamilylikeachild，anddeemingitquitenatural；havingtravelledoveralltheearth，metwithallsortsofadventures，incurredalldangers，andyetshowingthesamerespectfulandabsoluteobediencetohisparents。
Shecomparedhimtoothers，twoorthreedandiesinParis，clerks，quill-drivers，orwhatnot，who
hadpesteredherwiththeirattentions，forthesakeofhermoney。Heseemedtobethebest，aswellasthemosthandsome，manshehadevermet。
Toputherselfmoreonanequalitywithhimsherelatedhow，inherownhome，shehadnotalwaysbeensowell-offasatpresent；thatherfatherhadbegunlifeasafishermanoffIceland，andalwaysheldtheIcelandersingreatesteem；andthatsheherselfcouldclearlyrememberasalittlechild，havingrunbarefooteduponthebeach，afterherpoormother'sdeath。
Oh!theexquisitenightofthatball，uniqueinherlife!Itseemedfarawaynow，foritdatedbacktoDecember，andMayhadalreadyreturned。Allthesturdypartnersofthateveningwereoutfishingyondernow，scatteredoverthefarnorthernseas，intheclearpalesun，inintenseloneliness，whilethedustthickenedsilentlyonthelandofBrittany。
StillGaudremainedatherwindow。Themarket-placeofPaimpol，hedgedinonallsidesbytheold-fashionedhouses，becamesadderandsadderwiththedarkling；everywherereignedsilence。Abovethehousetopsthestillbrilliantspaceoftheheavensseemedtogrowmorehollow，toraiseitselfupandfinallyseparateitselffromallterrestrialthings:these，inthelasthourofday，wereentirelyblendedintothesingledarkoutlineofthegablesofoldenroofs。
Fromtimetotimeawindowordoorwouldbesuddenlyclosed；someoldsailor，shakyuponhislegs，wouldblunderoutofthetavernandplungeintothesmalldarkstreets；orgirlspassedby，returninghomelateaftertheirwalkandcarryingnosegaysofMay-flowers。OneofthemwhoknewGaud，callingoutgood-eveningtoher，heldupabranchofhawthornhightowardsherasiftoofferithertosmell；inthetransparentdarknessshecoulddistinguishtheairytuftsofitswhiteblossoms。Fromthegardensandcourtsfloatedanothersoftperfume，thatofthefloweringhoneysucklealongthegranitewalls，mingledwithavaguesmellofseaweedintheharbour。
Batsflewsilentlythroughtheairabove，likehideouscreaturesinadream。
ManyandmanyaneveninghadGaudpassedatherwindow，gazinguponthemelancholymarket-place，thinkingoftheIcelanderswhowerefaraway，andalwaysofthatsameball。