384 



The Petrels 



it. And with one accord we abandoned our pleasant 

 fluttering to and fro. Side by side we stretched our 

 wings and made haste, as never before, towards the 

 bleak South, nor ever paused until once more we darted 

 in between those mighty walls of rock, sheltering the 

 tiny nook where I was born. As we did so I felt just 

 one doubt lest it should be preoccupied, but I need 

 not have done so. It was ready for us. My sweet 

 one crept in, I following her, until, settling down, 

 she cooed contentedly, invitingly, and I, nestling 

 by her side, let all things slip away into deepest 

 peace. 



When I awoke my dear partner did not stir. I 

 knew, and, caressing her, hastened away, intent upon 

 what I understood as love's privilege to provide for 

 her. Out between the rocks I darted, found what I 

 sought, and returned. It was another added joy. 

 Oh, I was so happy ! Of all the delights I have ever 

 known — and my little life has been overflowing with 

 them — there have been none like this. I worked 

 incessantly, untiringly to feed her, my patient love. 

 I did not know why, nor could I enquire. But she 

 sat in darkness waiting for some blissful event, I her 

 only sunshine, her only means of support, the one 

 whom she trusted, and with reason. I could have 

 wished that time to have lasted but for her. I did 

 feel the need of her sweet company out upon the sea. 

 And yet I was content, for I knew in some strange 

 manner that all was well. But when she rose to meet 

 me, as one morning I returned with full beak for her, 

 her little velvety body swelling with conscious pride, 

 and I saw a strange gaping bunch at her side, I lelt a 

 shock. Had I a rival ? Indeed I had, my son. I 

 had no joy of him, for I felt he separated me from her. 

 She was aU I needed, no third. Still, with her I 



