R44 IBLES OF SUMMER. 
to bed, we imposed npon our mind the task of waking our body 
up a little before midnight, in order that wo might make an 
effort to see this beautiful symbol from the cupola of the Royal 
Victoria Hotel. We awoke on time, and, only so far dressing as 
to meet the supposed demands of the invisible spirits of the 
night, we made our way through long corridors, up several 
flights of stairs, and into the profound darkness of the attic of 
the hotel, where, like many another secker after “the light of 
the cross,” we groped our dubious way. Finally a faint glimmer 
from above gave us hope, and after ascending another flight of 
stairs we emerged into a spacious glass enclosed observatory, from 
the inside of which and from its surrounding gallery, in the star- 
light and moonlight, we watched and waited for the cross. Here 
and there above the southern horizon, a few scattered stars ap- 
peared for a few moments through the rifts of slowly passing 
clouds, while a thin veil of mist curtained a low belt of sky from 
view. But having concluded to find the cross, we were not dis- 
couraged but determined to persevere, knowing full well that 
though for the time unseen, it was surely there. The sea air 
was delightfully cool, and we seemed more than ever before to 
realize how 
“ Sweet are the gentle winds at night 
That breathe when all is peaceful ‘round, 
As if some spirits downy flight 
Swept silent through the blue profound.” ~ 
Below us the city of Nassau, with its low diamond-shaped roofs 
and tropical and semi-tropical trees, was clearly and beautifully 
revealed; the harbor with its shipping and beacon light, was 
slightly ruffled, and reflected a soft and silvery radiance; the 
barrier islands disclosed their picturesque shores, and beyond 
their low but verdant summits, the Atlantic seemed soothed and 
